Exile to coach Orrell

Irish Exile & former Irish international full-back Simon Mason has been turned to by Orrell in their hour of need. He has taken over as Director of Rugby there and, although he accepts it is too late to save them from relegation from National Division 1 in England this season, he is already preparing for next season.

Simon has had an outstanding playing career (not finished yet!), starting with Orrell, followed by Richmond, Ulster, Stade Francais, and Treviso, before returning to Orrell this season. He has been one of the great goal-kickers, as Ulster fans who followed their successful European campaign in 1998/99 will testify. He was one of the finds’ that the late Jim Harty made in his very successful spotting’ days with us, culminating in Simon’s U21 caps followed by his senior’ appearances for Ireland.

We wish Simon well in his attempts to restore the fortunes of a famous club and we are, of course, delighted to have him back in the Exiles fold’.