London Irish issue 72-word statement on its Premiership suspension

London Irish have issued a 72-word statement in response to Tuesday evening’s announcement that the RFU had suspended the club from taking part in next season’s Gallagher Premiership. The governing body of English rugby had given the Exiles a week’s grace following last week’s original deadline of May 30 to show that it had the necessary financial backing to continue in the top flight.

However, with the mooted takeover by an American-led consortium failing to reach completion and with current owner Mick Crossan unwilling to provide investment guarantees after players and staff were left 50 per cent short in the May payroll, the RFU pulled the plug and will not permit London Irish to participate in any of its leagues in England.

Explaining their decision to call a halt, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “This is desperately sad news for everyone who is part of the London Irish community as well as all the players, fans, staff and volunteers for whom this club means so much.

“Despite requesting this evidence over the last six months and receiving assurances on multiple occasions that we would receive proof of ownership and funds, it has not materialised. In the event that it would ultimately not be possible to save London Irish, our second priority has always been to avoid the club entering an unplanned insolvency mid-season.”

Given the failure of the takeover and Crossan’s intent to stop bankrolling the club, the Exiles’ prospects for survival as a professional outfit appear extremely bleak with over 100 staff in limbo ahead of next year’s 125th-year anniversary of the club’s formation. The RFU, working with Premiership Rugby and the RPA, have collectively established a hardship fund to support the Irish players and staff most in need.

A brief Exiles statement read: “The club can confirm that London Irish has received correspondence from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to confirm suspension for the 2023/24 season. The suspension will result in the club being unable to compete in the Gallagher Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup, and Heineken Champions Cup throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

“The club continues to remain in active discussions with the RFU as to any circumstances that may result in the suspension being lifted.”