London Irish pip Exeter as Declan Kidney praises players after turbulence

It has been a difficult week for London Irish and at times this victory was equally trying but a promising season ends on a triumphant note. The future is undoubtedly bright for the Exiles on the pitch if it can be secured off it. It remains a huge if, though their director of rugby, Declan Kidney, expressed confidence it will be. But a best league finish for 14 years is some platform upon which to build if the impending takeover by a US consortium is completed.

Kidney was as animated as he gets after a scrappy, error-strewn victory. The uncertainty, the late wages, the empty promises, the question marks over insurance cover all added up to one of the most challenging periods in his coaching career.

That his players showed commendable resilience to finish the week victorious is to their credit. The squad, not to mention the staff at the club, do not deserve to be treated the way that they have been. That they pulled together to eke out this victory is commendable.

“I’m delighted for everybody in the organisation, we said we would control what we can control and that’s what we did today,” said Kidney. “There’s a rich future for this club on the pitch and I’m sure the people off the pitch will do the business, they just need a bit of time to see it through.

“You see the measure of people in adversity. Our leadership have been magnificent, it never interfered with training or team meetings. The players have been brilliant, but so have coaches and the off-field team because it affected everybody.”

Irish were roared on by a crowd of more than 11,000 and though it was not the finest performance - nowhere near - this win demonstrated that they have added some steel to their style this season. They were languishing at the foot