The venture was launched at the Heineken Cup game last weekend between London Irish and Cardiff Blues at their home ground, the Madejski Stadium in Reading.

London Irish chief executive Andy Martin made a pitch-side presentation to Paralympics Ireland chief executive Liam Harbison, while Beijing 2008 Paralympic champion in the T37 800 metres Michael McKillop was also in attendance.

"London Irish is immensely proud of and committed to its Irish roots and heritage and so we are delighted to be establishing this collaboration and supporting Paralympics Ireland," said Martin.

"We hope to motivate supporters everywhere to get behind the athletes as they push for even greater honours.

"Both of our teams are highly successful in their respective fields and so we believe that there is much that we can learn from each other."

The partnership aims to raise awareness of Irish Paralympic sport across London Irish's supporter base and will involve initiatives such as match-day introductions to Irish Paralympic athletes and interviews in match day programmes and on the London Irish website.

The partnership will also see the exchange of coaching, sports science and medical support along with link ups between Irish Paralympic athletes and London Irish players.

"We were thrilled to announce this partnership in front of London Irish's passionate support," said Harbison.

"The sharing of knowledge between two elite Irish sports organisations will greatly assist Ireland's Paralympians push to excellence in 2012.

"We also hope our London-based supporters, like Irish people everywhere, will be inspired to join our journey to the Games."


McKillop (pictured) added that he was delighted to see the announcement made ahead of the London 2012 Paralympics – where he will be huge favourite to defend his T37 800m crown.

"It's fantastic to have gotten such a great welcome in Reading," he said.

"We are so proud to wear the green of Ireland and are grateful to London Irish for their incredible support.

"Their backing will help spur us to some exceptional performances this summer."

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