Challenge Cup record

London Irish have reached the final once – in 2006, when they lost a thriller 36-34 to Gloucester Rugby at Twickenham Stoop. Previously, they had made the semi-finals twice but lost out to Castres Olympique in 2000 (40-30) and Pontypridd in 2002 (33-27).

Last season

After a 34-8 win at Agen and a 26-17 home victory over Section Paloise, Irish progressed to the knockout stages, where they edged past Cardiff Rugby 41-35 at home in the round of 16 before losing 26-13 at Bath Rugby in the quarter-finals.

Director of rugby

Declan Kidney joined London Irish in March 2018 as technical consultant, before becoming director of rugby two months later. Prior to moving to London, Kidney guided Munster Rugby to two European Cup titles and a further two finals during his time as head coach at Thomond Park. He also led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years in 2009 and a quarter-final spot at the 2011 World Cup.

Key players

Irish boast a star-studded pack rammed full of internationals, including Argentinian hooker Agustin Creevy, Scottish prop Allan Dell, Australian locks Adam Coleman and Rob Simmons, Tongan flanker Steve Mafi and Irish No.8 Seán O'Brien. Australian scrum-half Nick Phipps and Irish fly-half Paddy Jackson are other experienced internationals in their squad.

Pool fixtures

The Gallagher Premiership club open their schedule with a trip to Section Paloise on December 11, before hosting another French club, CA Brive, eight days later. Round 3 sees Irish entertain Edinburgh Rugby on January 15, prior to closing their pool programme with a trip to London rivals Saracens on January 23.

London Irish are the next EPCR Challenge Cup side to go under the microscope as we look at the 2021/22 contenders for the trophy.