London hurlers' preparations for the new campaign have suffered a setback by the loss of three new players.

Expectations in the London camp were very high this year after they had gained Offaly's James Rigney, Tipperary hurler Lee Mackey and Westmeath midfielder Joe Clarke.

However, these three have opted off the panel as Rigney has returned to Ireland and played for Offaly in the Walsh Cup final last weekend.

Clarke is on the verge of coming home to Ireland as the Westmeath management team have looked to have him on board this year, while Mackey, who was with the Tipperary senior squad for the past couple of years has informed London manager Eamonn Phelan that he cannot give the necessary commitment this year.

All three had been training with the panel ahead of the forthcoming league campaign, but Phelan has accepted the players' decision.

"It takes a lot of dedication and Lee has been at it with Tipp for the last couple of years, so you can't force lads," Phelan told the Irish Post.

"Westmeath wanted to get Joe Clarke back on board. Some of their senior players especially were keen to get him back so they're trying to get him work.

"James Rigney went home a few weeks ago and he played for Offaly last weekend, but I haven't heard anything from him since, so it looks like he's gone as well." Tweet

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