Stars mingle with fans at Irish open day

The gathered crowds were also given goody bags and treated to an appearance by the club's mascot, Digger. Hundreds also tried their hand at a bucking rugby ball ride as well as a rugby passing game, organised by the London Irish community department.

But the coup-de-grace for many was the opportunity to watch the players in a full training session.

It was the first time Irish, who lie second in the Premiership, have held an open day at their Avenue training ground and the club's head of PR & communications, Tracie Simpson, was delighted with the turn out.

She said: "We were absolutely overwhelmed by the response and wish to thank everyone for their attendance and for once again proving what a fantastic group of supportive fans we have.

"The players were astonished by the size of the crowd for a training day and loved the opportunity to be amongst the fans, something they rarely get a chance to do on busy match days, and hopefully help parents with the half-term holidays."