RFU statement: London Irish

The RFU have released a statement regarding the situation at Gallagher Premiership side London Irish, which is in the process of being taken over by an American consortium.

The paying of last months wages was delayed for nearly a week, leading to speculation in the media that the club might fold if the takeover didn't go ahead.

In response, the RFU have issued a statement which reads: "The proposed takeover of London Irish by an American consortium has led to a significant amount of uncertainty and speculation about the future of the club, which is having an impact on players, staff, and fans of the club.

"As a result, the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the RPA is seeking to take action to obtain greater clarity on the future of London Irish.

"It is imperative that the club will be in a position to take its place in the Gallagher Premiership in season 2023/24, and to complete that season.

"The RFU has therefore set a deadline of 30 May by which either: a takeover of the club has been completed and approved by the RFU, with the buyers undertaking to provide all required working capital to meet the club’s obligations as they fall due for at least season 2023/24; or the club evidences that it will continue to be funded to operate throughout the 2023/24 season.

"If the club fails to meet these conditions it will be suspended from participating in the Premiership (and other competitions) in season 2023/24 to avoid a scenario where the club enters insolvency mid-season, with the corresponding and substantial impact that has on players, staff, and fans, as well as on the remainder of the league."

"This deadline was set to give enough time for the buyers to provide the information needed and for the transaction to complete."

Wasps and Worcester entered administration earlier this season, resulting in their expulsion from the Premiership.

It meant the Premiership dropping to 11 clubs, with the most fraught campaign in English domestic rugby history reaching its conclusion on May 27 when Saracens and Sale Sharks contest the final at Twickenham.

Irish, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on a place in the title play-offs, finishing fifth, three points behind Northampton.

additional reporting PA