By BrianC
April 10 2003

Back in January, after the London Irish home Heineken Cup victory over Toulouse, the idea for Operation Rose was hatched by a few of the usual suspects. Those of you who went to Toulouse will know what a fantastic rugby city it is and what truly great supporters the Toulousains are. The idea a few of us had was to revisit that fine town for their HC quarter final against Northampton.

As we are travelling to support Toulouse, we thought it best to keep the purpose of the trip hidden from the Saintly ones hence us coining the name 'Operation Rose'. The name springs from The Pub Landlord's penchant for long lunches washed down by copious quantities of said wine. Pre match, in Toulouse, was where I first heard him utter the immortal words 'Keep them cold and keep them comming'. Somewhat ironically TPL, who initiated the operation, is now unable to make the trip thanks to the Ryanair takeover of Buzz which led to the cancellation of his flight.

As you read this the operation will be well underway, a group of the usual suspects will be up to no good in Southern France. If you are watching the game you may even see something of the London Irish presence.

A full report will follow next week.