Richards, who starts at scrum half, is one of four changes to the starting line-up of the Exiles' team that defeated Premiership leaders, Gloucester Rugby last Sunday. Another player making his first senior appearance of the season is Tim Curran. The 23-year-old Australian who joined from ACT Brumbies during the summer, starts at full back. Nils Mordt takes over at inside centre from Seilala Mapusua who is rested.

The only change to the forwards is in the back row where Steffon Armitage starts at openside flanker. Bob Casey captains the team.

"This Sunday we're resting some players where we have to so our team has a core of regular starters plus a number of fresh faces," said Brian Smith, London Irish Director of Rugby. "Some of the new faces are players coming back from injury and others are 'new blood'. The 'new blood' will bring added enthusiasm and will be surrounded by plenty of experience. It's a big opportunity for these boys and we're confident they'll front up.

"Peter Richards has made himself available for today's clash - it's a great effort by him only seven days after playing in the Rugby World Cup Final. We're all looking forward to seeing him back in our colours," Smith concluded.

Team:
15. Tim Curran; 14. Topsy Ojo; 13. Delon Armitage; 12. Nils Mordt; 11. Tomas De Vedia*; 10. Shane Geraghty*; 9. Peter Richards*; 1. Dan Murphy; 2. David Paice, 3. Tonga Lea'aetoa*; 4. Nick Kennedy; 5. Bob Casey* (captain); 6. Kieran Roche; 7. Steffon Armitage; 8. Phil Murphy*.

Replacements:
16. Tom Warren; 17. Stuart Mackie; 18.Gary Johnson; 19. Declan Danaher; 20. Richard Thorpe; 21. Warren Fury; 22. Jeremy Staunton*.

* Denotes international