Bachop is big threat to the Irish

London Irish captain Conor O'Shea today warned his team of the danger presented by their former fly-half Steve Bachop as they head for their first home game in the Zurich Premiership against newcomers Leeds at Reading next Sunday.

The 35-year-old Bachop, who has played for both New Zealand and Samoa at Test level, was one of the key players for the Irish in his two seasons which ended in the summer last year and O'Shea said that nothing will have changed.

"Steve has played international rugby for a long time and his ability to move the ball wide is second to none," said O'Shea. "We also saw that he produced one of his nice heavy up-and-under kicks which ended in a try for Leeds when they beat Bath.

"It was a big win for Leeds, a wake up call to the rest of the league because they beat one of the favourites for the title. There is a lot of international quality around Leeds with Bachop and Scott Benton at half-back and Isaac Feau'nati at No 8. You couldn't ask for a better eight-nine-10 line up. Leeds have recruited well and have not come in on a wing and a prayer like other sides."

Leeds chief Phil Davies, the former Wales forward, said of his club's start: "We felt it was important to send a message out that we are going to compete and try to add something to what is already a quality competition. I don't want a team of stars but rather I want players who will all pull together."

Meanwhile, London Irish fly-half Barry Everitt is said to be in line for a first Ireland cap after his 22-point display against Harlequins in front of Ireland coach Warren Gatland.