London Irish have a huge incentive to remain in the top four of the Zurich Premiership, at least until Christmas Day for if they accomplish that feat, Guinness and not Santa, should guarantee that they enjoy the festive period - they mightn't remember much about it though.

The brewing giant, one of the club's sponsors, has undertaken to give the squad, and presumably the management team, all the beer they can drink over the festive period. There is a catch. If London Irish slip out of the top four then the players must serve as waiters in the company staff restaurant at the Park Royal Plant. Anyone for the canapΘs?