London Irish make winning Premiership return at Wasps

London Irish celebrated their return to the Premiership by earning a gutsy 29-26 victory over Wasps at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday.

The hosts trailed by three points at the break as Wasps debutant Zach Kibirige saw his double answered by Blair Cowan and Albert Tuisue, with Paddy Jackson's third successful penalty putting Irish ahead.

Ollie Hassell-Collins' try and another successful three-pointer from Jackson – making a first competitive appearance for the newly promoted side – further improved the visitors' lead but a yellow card for Ruan Botha for pulling down a driving maul left Irish in a spot of bother.

Dan Robson went over from close range and Jacob Umaga split the posts to bring Wasps within striking distance, but Irish held their nerve in Coventry.

FULL-TIME: 26 - 29 A determined and gritty display from the Exiles and they open their @premrugby campaign with a win away from home and points in the bag Round 1 of 22 Onto the next...#WASvLIR pic.twitter.com/mbtIBap1w2

— London Irish (@LiRFC) October 20, 2019