Declan Danaher vows to stop London Irish slump

London Irish captain Declan Danaher has vowed to help turn around their poor start to the new Premiership season.

The Exiles are bottom of the league, without a point, and this weekend face a grudge match against Bath, who are coached by former boss Toby Booth.

And Danaher says everything is being done to address their worrying start.

"On a personal level this is all I think about and I am as desperate for that first win as the supporters are," Danaher told BBC Radio Berkshire.

Irish have so far lost to Saracens, Gloucester and Wasps and pre-season optimism has quickly been replaced by cynicism by supporters.

"I appreciate anyone who comes out to support us and I assure them that we as a team are trying to put things right," said Danaher.

"No stone is being left unturned in our preparation for this weekend."

Ill discipline has been an early season feature of Irish's performances and Danaher says they cannot dwell on their poor start and must instead focus on addressing their penalty count.

"It's over now. Nothing we can do or say can change it," he said.

"We learn from our mistakes, we will kick on and get ready for what will be a massive, massive game this weekend.

"It's not being brushed under the carpet, it is something we speak about every week. We've got to stay in games for 80 minutes, those last 15 minutes are killing us.

"These penalties we are conceding just undo all our hard work. We are giving away stupid penalties and we have to produce an 80-minute performance.

"We are looking at the videos, analysing our mistakes and if we can concentrate for 80 minutes then we can try and win a game."

Wales coach Shaun Edwards had been brought into help improve London Irish's defence and Danaher admits the players have let him down.

"We are letting down the best defensive coach in the northern hemisphere, maybe the world, and making him look silly," he said.

"He is a fantastic guy and an inspirational character. I've enjoyed working with him and we need to carry out his orders for 80 minutes."