PAUL Hodgson insists the future is bright for London Irish after nine Academy graduates starred in last weekend’s 25-14 bonus-point win away to Ospreys.

Ross Neal, Ben Ransom, Richard Palframan and debutant Senitiki Nayalo scored in the whitewash in the British & Irish Cup victory at The Gnoll in Neath.

More than half of the Exiles matchday squad was made up of Academy players, while Redingensians Rams youngster Jacob Atkins received a late call-up and came off the bench in the closing stages.

London Irish skills coach Hodgson beamed: “To have that many Academy products playing is testament to all the staff at London Irish, who work very hard right through all the age groups.

“It’s also worth noting that those guys who are very much a part of the first team fronted up extremely well and supported the younger lads to enable them to flourish.”

Exiles braved torrential rain in Wales before seeing off a spirited Ospreys side to clinch their seventh straight win in all competitions.

London Irish face another tough test in the British & Irish Cup this Saturday when they host Connacht Eagles (3pm).

Second-placed Newbury Blues return to South West One East action with a trip to Grove this Saturday (3pm).

Thatcham host Gosford All Blacks in Southern Counties North (3pm), while Hungerford visit Slough (3pm) and Tadley are at home to Chesham (3pm) in the BB&O Premier.