The new Aviva Premiership season is just a few days away, with Northampton Saints beginning the defence of the title that they won in May against Gloucester on Friday evening.
The majority of the teams will be in action on Saturday afternoon, including London Irish, who face Harlequins in the double header at Twickenham.
The Exiles struggled during the 2013-14 season, finishing 10th in the table with just seven wins, but have spent recent months signing new players and developing the squad.
Prop Leo Halavatau is heading into his fourth year with the club, and took time out from his preparations for the new season to talk to Sports Mole.
The new season is just around the corner. How are you feeling ahead of the start of the new campaign?
"Very positive, I think we'll definitely do well this year."
The team has made a few new signings for this season, do you think the squad is stronger now than it has been for the last couple of years?
"Yeah, definitely. We've made quite a few signings especially in the pack, in the forwards, and I think the signings have actually made a big difference already."
The team has a number of highly-rated young players in the squad. Who of those do you think will stand out this season?
"We've got a young hooker called Gerard Ellis who is just coming through, I think he'll be one of those breaking through."
Are there any specific targets for the team this year?
"Definitely we're looking at European competition, a good goal would be in the top six [in the Aviva Premiership table]."
You recently signed a new contract with London Irish. What was it that made you decide that you wanted to extend your stay with the team?
"It's all about the club, they've got a good culture, good work ethic, and it's quite a family club as well. It's quite an ambitious club."
This will be your fourth season with the team. How do you feel as an individual going into the season?
"I think this year we've got quite a good competition especially among the pack. We've got Halani [Aulika] and Geoff [Cross], who are both international players so definitely it'll bring I think the best out of me, especially competition-wise, make myself work harder."
Is having competition for places in the squad something that you value?
"Yeah, I think the balance in the squad this year is very good so it's going to bring the best out of players, especially competing for each position."
Etixx, sport nutrition partner of London Irish, have created the "Scrum Shop" - a specially adapted scrum machine available to fans at the London Double Header on Saturday, September 6. For more Etixx info visit etixxsports.com
Sian Cowper
