Majority of London Irish fans 'support' Paddy Jackson signing - Kiss
London Irish head coach Les Kiss insists the majority of Exiles fans support the decision to sign Paddy Jackson.
Jackson will be entrusted with the playmaking duties next season after completing a year at Perpignan, the French club where he began rebuilding his career after his Ireland and Ulster contracts were terminated.
Along with team-mate Stuart Olding, the 27-year-old was acquitted of rape in March last year following a nine-week trial during which it was revealed the provincial colleagues exchanged lewd text messages that were derogatory towards women.
An outcry from women's rights organisations ensued and some London Irish fans have vowed to boycott the Madejski Stadium in opposition at his arrival, while long-standing sponsor Diageo has ended its sponsorship of the club.
Speaking about Jackson's signing for the first time, Kiss insists the only consideration in recruiting him was his playing ability.
"The bottom line is that if you look at everything, I think there is more support than not. That's my view," Kiss said.
"First and foremost Paddy is a good rugby player and it's an opportunity for him to further his career. He saw that as a good opportunity.
"People will have their opinions on the back story and the past, but we believe what we are about and we believe we are doing the right thing.
"Things will be thrown at us I guess, but the story is about everyone - we have signed a lot of good players.
"Ultimately we are a team and we will go out and play that way and come what may we will stick together."
The former Ulster head coach continued: "Obviously I know Paddy and he's a quality footballer so that is what we're focused on.
"Ultimately that is what our conversation was about and where we will stay with it.
"The bottom line is it is a rugby club that is looking for good players and we have signed Paddy.
"I understand that this becomes a story but ultimately we want to make sure we focus on the right things."
Irish are refusing to set a return date for Sean O'Brien after the Lions flanker underwent hip surgery that will sideline him until well into the 2019-20 season.
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wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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