TOPSY Ojo admitted he has ‘always felt at home’ after equalling David Paice’s record of 290 London Irish appearances during Exiles’ 72-5 Greene King IPA Championship demolition of Yorkshire Carnegie on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

The former England man scored his first try of the season – and 87th for the club – during his side’s sixth consecutive victory, and admitted it has been a pleasure to be a one-club man.

He said: “I’ve always felt at home here from day one. Lots of players have come and gone, and lots of coaches, but whoever’s been in the changing room or on the pitch with me, it’s just been such a brilliant atmosphere.

“They have been a brilliant group of guys to be around and work with and I still enjoy being out there – that’s the biggest thing.

“The try worked out well for me. Credit to the guys, our forwards were outstanding, and a special mention to Tom Parton, putting one on a plate for me.”

Ojo, 33, was joined in the back three by 20-year-old duo Parton and Ben Loader, and he said the England Under 20 pair provide motivation for him to keep going.

He commented: “It’s a challenge and the game moves on. Talent comes through and there’s only 15 guys including two wings who can be out there at any one time.

“When you get to 30 there’s always young talent so it’s important to stay fit and healthy and perform well, but they have to try and take me out of the team and I have to stop them from doing that.

“But we also compliment each other and these guys are developing, they are going to be the future of the club, so there’s a responsibility on my side to help them grow and develop.”

Ojo could break the record for appearances at Doncaster Knights on Saturday, and he concluded: “I’ll enjoy 290, but 291 will be nice so I can be out on my own ahead of Paicey (David Paice).

“I can thank him for keeping it warm for me for a year or so and then we’ll see what we can get to after that.

“I still need one more game, but to mark an occasion like that with a try at home was brilliant.”

Head coach Les Kiss added a tribute to Ojo, stating: “Topsy has been part of the infrastructure of the club for such a long time and it was great for him to get the opportunity to score.

“He’s playing some good rugby, he might be a yard slower than he used to be, but he’s still a really good footballer round the park.

“He covers things for us and is a good, experienced voice, and helps mentor Parton and Loader which is also important.

“It was great to see Topsy get some reward for what he’s given to the club.”

Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, added: “To reach 290 games is a fantastic achievement by Topsy.

“He’s been a great servant for the club and his experience is very important for us.”