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Gallagher Premiership

The emotional reaction on Twitter after suspension of London Irish

(Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

Tuesday evening’s demise of London Irish generated an avalanche of sympathy on Twitter, ranging from fellow Gallagher Premiership clubs, former internationals, former players, numerous broadcasters and even the ex-kitman at Wasps – another of the top-flight clubs to collapse since last September.

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It was shortly after 7pm when the RFU confirmed its decision to suspend London Irish from the 2023/24 Premiership, adding that they would not be permitted to play in any of its leagues following a failed American-led takeover bid and the unwillingness of the current owner Mick Crossan to continue to fund the club.

With London Irish players and staff having received only 50 per cent of their salaries in last week’s May payroll, a collective RFU, Premiership Rugby and RPA hardship fund has now been established to help those worst affected.

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In the meantime, social media went into overdrive with a wide spectrum of people reacting to the Exiles falling out of the Premiership just months after Wasps and Worcester also fell by the wayside.

Former England international Tom May immediately reached out to those left in limbo by the club.

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“Any London Irish players needing to look at opportunities outside of professional sport, please do get in touch,” he wrote. “FutureProof Pro have roles for athletes and is set up to help you. Please let any players know about this. It’ll make a big difference to some.”

Local rivals Harlequins, whose fixtures with London Irish have produced some cracking post-pandemic entertainment, commented: “Our sincere sympathies and best wishes to the players, coaches, supporters and all connected to London Irish at this incredibly difficult time.

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“Harlequins will now work closely with Premiership Rugby, The RFU and all key stakeholders to understand the implications of the suspension on the upcoming season and will be in contact with our supporters with further detail, including the club’s action plan.”

Quoting his own club’s tweet which stated: “Gloucester Rugby would like to express our sadness following the news of London Irish’s suspension from the Gallagher Premiership. Our thoughts are with the fans, staff and players,” Kingsholm CEO Lance Bradley said: “We are thinking of our many friends at London Irish this evening, and of course their fans and everyone else connected with the club.”

Andy Goode, the ex-England out-half and current media pundit, added: “Thoughts with every player, member of staff and fan of London Irish tonight. Such sad news to hear of the suspension from the leagues. Mismanagement and poor running of businesses across the league to blame.”

Fellow broadcaster Sonja McLaughlan said: “Always jumped at the chance to do a game at London Irish. A style of rugby that warmed the soul. Feel desperate for Declan Kidney, Les Kiss and everyone connected with the club. How ironic they had just finished as best of the rest in the league and now this. It’s a mess.”

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Next up, Alex Corbisiero, the club’s former Test-level prop. “Heartbroken for London Irish, thinking of all the players, staff and fans right now.”

The club’s Irish origins were recognised in a tweet from Rugby Players’ Ireland, who posted its message with a splendid picture of the late Gary Halpin in action in a 1990s London Irish jersey. “A home from home. Thinking of all those connected with London Irish – a great home for many an Irish player over the years. Hopefully, they can find a way out.”

Ex-Wasps kitman Pudsey Bevan wrote: “232 days ago this happened to me and 166 of my friends. I’m still not over it but if I can help anyone from London Irish, please get in touch.”

Scott Steele, the former Scotland scrum-half who spent six seasons at London Irish, stated: “Heartbreaking news. Thoughts go out to everyone involved with London Irish. Great club but more importantly great people.”

Broadcaster Sarra Elgan Easterby said: “Another sad day… Words are hard to find, and obviously not for the first time this season. Thoughts with all London Irish players, staff and fans.”

Stuart Barnes, another ex-Egland No10 who now also works in the media, wrote: “Feeling glum at London Irish news. A great old club I enjoyed playing against that is yet another subsumed despite doing so well on the pitch and with their academies.”

Journalist Neil Fissler reckoned: “Seems like London Irish players and staff were the subject of lies and p*** taking until the very end. Feel for them. Hopefully, they find clubs and new jobs ASAP.”

Fellow journalist Ashleigh Wilmost added: “Very, very sad news for London Irish today. It’s a brilliant club and truly heartbreaking to see another club’s financial failings lead to suspension from the Premiership. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the news: players, staff, volunteers and their wonderful fans.”

The final word goes to Gonzalo Tiesi, the retired Argentine player. “So sad news. London Irish gave me the chance to become a professional back in 2006. Great club, great people and better memories. Hope things can get sorted in the near future. In the meantime a big hug to all the London Irish community!”

https://twitter.com/Sonjamclaughlan/status/1666166573202014209

https://twitter.com/neilfissler/status/1666148900288200715

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Comments

1 Comment
A
Alex 675 days ago

Really hope the 3 fallen clubs come back as phoenix clubs in whatever the new model may be. I know the plan is 10 & 10 right now, honestly think that may be too many. Ten team Premiership, eight team Championship.

I'd say however, the Prem needs to be ring-fenced for at least the next 3 seasons, if not 5 though. Need to protect the 10 remaining, that's just reality.

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evelynmartinez99 7 minutes ago
Shaun Stevenson to play 100th for Chiefs in top of the table clash

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LarkCliffford 8 minutes ago
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NB 1 hour ago
Can Rugby Australia afford to go ‘all in’ on the Queensland Reds?

Yes HMP and Lynagh are doing well in Qld, though I’d like to see Harry getting more starts. Arguably they have a third as Lawson Creighton has come on in NSW.


I am not so sure about Les Kiss, at least in the way they are touting him now. Certainly not with all his Qld staffers moving with him, and a job share with him remaining head of ops in Qld would be difficult.


It would be wrong for RA to invest in him too heavily right now. He needs to win something with the Reds.

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D
DJ 2 hours ago
Newcastle DoR Steve Diamond cops ban over 'wholly unacceptable' comments

But in my opinion the officials on the day were in the wrong & Steve Diamond’s comments had foundation but as per usual the RFU want to do things behind closed doors, sweep any bad stuff under the carpet, punish the ‘whistle blower’/victim.


I get frustrated that TMOs have so much influence on the game when they are far less qualified than the Ref. A lot of technology but still no cigar. The TMO ‘might’ be able to be an AR but no where near the standard or experience to replace the Referee on the day & then there are the even less qualified assistants advising the TMO.

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Cantab 3 hours ago
Barrett vs McKenzie: Why Dan Carter would ‘hate to be Scott Robertson’

You are right. Crusaders didn't have a lot go right for them last year but they are certainly back in the mix now . Look to have the one time favorites Blues in their wake & nose ahead of the Chiefs at this stage. Return match up in Ch Ch v Chiefs could be decisive.

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AD 4 hours ago
Can Rugby Australia afford to go ‘all in’ on the Queensland Reds?

Thanks Nick.


Your have it right with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.


He is one of 3 #10s showing some form. The others are Lynagh and Donnalson.


It’s not unusual to have the best players in a particular position from the same side.


(Queensland also have two of the best halfbacks on form too)


As Rennie found when he (or his coaching team) didn't know how use the five eighth after Cooper was unavailable, simple pass the parcel five eighths don’t work v good opposition.


Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lynagh and Donnalson may not be world beaters, but they can create something some of the time.


Re Kiss, he HAS to be the main Wallaby coach, and yes, it’s totally possible for him to have a Reds role as well. Right now too, it is essential for Schmidt to continue a role after Kiss takes over.

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Chiefs Mana 4 hours ago
Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Boss of this comp, wow.

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Chiefs Mana 5 hours ago
Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Can’t understand why Chiefs have resorted to such a simple game plan, it’s very easy to defend albeit relentless…Chiefs are at their best when they’re playing fast and unpredictably, runners off 9 for 10+ phases seems like they’re either out of ideas or they’re potentially trying to excise the demons of their style that fell very short last year in the final.


Dmac was woeful, head didn’t seem to be in the game…perhaps a good wake up for him and the team that there’s plenty of rugby still to come this season.

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JW 5 hours ago
Barrett vs McKenzie: Why Dan Carter would ‘hate to be Scott Robertson’

No, not in the first half, don’t know if anything changed. To me it felt like a mixture of trying to take advantage of the opportunity to provide some counter attack (playing the role of a 15 on the sides) and the very good pressure an orthodox and aggressive kick chase game NSW had?


I thought Jacomb and DMac were playing completely differently to how their partnership worked in the few two rounds. Jacomb was in total control this time, Dmac was only seen wider out. I think a clear strategy around working on Jacomb role/game.


The worst was him skidding into the takclers imo.

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J
JW 5 hours ago
'We offered him a three-year deal': Hurricanes priced out of U20 star

I think NZ is his new home GD, hence the “ish” part. He’s been here since his last school years, so around 3?


Yes of course. One particular one was that he looked to be uncomfortable and lacking confidence when in France, judging by the way he cam across in the videos. So that was one reason why I liked the idea of him growing further closer to home (now that’s an English saying, don’t pull me up on that one too), growing a bit more as a man first, where he may have made progress in recently.


But if you’re using logic and putting two and two together, which is all I was doing after reading this article, you’ve got him wanting to return home and get himself amongst the Hurricanes stars, and now months later, ‘family’ being reported as the reason he’s decided against that now.


Sure, anything is possible though GD if that’s how you want to think in life. But back to your comment, you incorrectly assumed that if their were indeed shackles in place, that he wouldn’t have returned. Can you work out logically how this is a false statement? The simplicity of it will be quite striking when you realise.. it implies that this situation - him deciding months later to go to France - would be impossible if he returned to NZ.

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J
JW 5 hours ago
How Scott Barrett performs in Super Rugby Pacific is not a big deal

He was noting #2 more as a fault of Razor than a recommendation of Will at 15 GP! :p

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J
JW 5 hours ago
Suaalii stars as Waratahs topple Chiefs in Super Rugby win the for ages

Is that a Tane Edmond pun or a mix of Cane’d and tamed? lol I hope it was a rugby one at least!

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J
JW 5 hours ago
Suaalii stars as Waratahs topple Chiefs in Super Rugby win the for ages

More importantly Jacomb had a really good first half (all I saw), much tougher than Dmac and still a better clearer to boot.


Dmac probably shouldn’t have been starting at all when you’ve got someone like Scooter they tried so hard to get back (they’re hanging out for some good/fit wing stocks though?).

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JW 5 hours ago
Suaalii stars as Waratahs topple Chiefs in Super Rugby win the for ages

I applaud the foul play review officer for his decision to keep it a yellow. At the time I was thinking to myself how unlucky Wrampling was to actually come up against a rugby player who tries to avoid contact, a player that’s not programmed to take contact in a way that ensures ball retention. Jo is the only player I could imagine not taking that tackle and instead stopping and swaying like a boxer.


Wrampling didn’t know what to do, so he rose with him and Jo wasn’t fast enough to get away. I fully expected it to be a red but the ruling completely matched my perception so well done.


I didn’t watch the second half but thought Feketi’s dissalowed try was a good square up for scoring off a forward pass for their first. There was also no way Jacobson passed that ball forward, it only travelled forward about a meter despite going all the way to the sideline while running at full tilt. Great to see the loyal crowd getting incited and behind their team though.

7 Go to comments
J
JW 6 hours ago
Crusaders hold on for dramatic win over Hurricanes on the road

What would that have looked like?

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J
JW 6 hours ago
Hurricanes vs Crusaders: Only two true Kiwi contenders, Bluesprint in full effect

The Hurricanes could easily be the most dangerous team come semi final game, a very even game without many of their best either performing or playing, and they should have one that game if not for some brain dead substitutions from Laidlaw and a freak opportunistic try by O’Connor.


While the two Canes midfields started the season pretty rusty, and I thought in Sullivan’s case especially, well out of form, they have started playing very well together as Peter suggested on TV last night. Still though, their is some class to come back, and if Roigard can sort out his game and actually provide some impact, and Laidlaw can get things right at 10, well that’s a very dangerous side if that front row start getting into gear. Dissapointed Kirifi didn’t quite bring the big game like Lakai did. Missing players like Rayasi and Moorby from last year for sure.

3 Go to comments
K
Katy Martin 6 hours ago
WRU reveal how much they paid for Cardiff Rugby

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JS 6 hours ago
Glasgow the latest victims of a Leinster Champions Cup beatdown in Dublin

Best result ever. Have Glasgow EVER been held scoreless before,I doubt it

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J
JW 6 hours ago
Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Yes all for the sake of progress though. They were willing to take the risk but they likely underestimated the Tahs.


There was talk Dmac might take his sabatical next year, so MacMillan wouldn’t want to leave the club in the lurch without a proven/developed first five.

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J
JW 6 hours ago
Waratahs vs Chiefs: McKenzie needs to be No.10, James O’Connor is right

Yeah but Saders could finish top of the table still and wouldn’t that make all those calling for Penney’s last year, and this, look stupid!

15 Go to comments
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