Today, London Irish has officially applied for administration, pointing the finger at their suspension by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) as the decisive factor in thwarting any prospects of securing a buyer.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the Exiles have now become the third Premiership club this season to cease operations, joining Worcester and Wasps on a path of uncertainty and dissolution.
Expressing his deep disappointment, Mick Crossan, the owner of London Irish, criticised the governing body’s choice to suspend his club from the Premiership.
He emphasized that the decision fails to acknowledge the precarious circumstances that other clubs presently find themselves in.
He said: “Collectively, owners of clubs are working very hard to transform their models, but the lack of real support, at times, is non-existent.
“It speaks volumes that Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling have been appointed by the Government as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union in the UK.
“The professional game in this country needs to be radically transformed. And the current leadership must urgently review its practices from top to bottom if it has a desire to see professional rugby continue in England.”
Since 2013, Crossan took ownership of the Exiles, investing significant sums into the club over the past ten years.
In an open letter to players, staff and fans, he said: “We have worked tirelessly over the last few years to develop a more sustainable business model, trying to tap into the Irish community, developing new revenue streams, investing in our fantastic academy to develop future stars, and of course bringing the club back to its spiritual home in West London after 20 years away.
“However, the reality is that professional rugby in this country is going through a hugely challenging time and after a decade of supporting the club financially, it is not feasible for me to continue absorbing the multi-million-pound losses of the club each year, indefinitely.”
“Queue of clubs” – Four players linked with London Irish exit prior to suspension
#1. Lovejoy Chawatama – Bristol Bears
The Rugby Paper suggests that Bristol may make an offer to sign Lovejoy Chawatama, a 30-year-old tighthead prop from Zimbabwe.
Chawatama, the Zimbabwean athlete who gained renown as the Zimbabwe Sports Personality of the Year in 2017, became a member of the Exiles team after leaving London Welsh in that very year.
Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 18 stone, this formidable prop forward has accumulated a commendable record of 75 appearances for London Irish. His arrival at Bristol Rugby Club presents an opportunity to bolster their ranks with his wealth of experience in the number three jersey.
This acquisition is particularly valuable as the team will face the absence of their first-choice tighthead, Kyle Sinckler, who is committed to England throughout the upcoming season.
