London Irish file for administration after being suspended from all competitions

The London Irish has applied for administration after being suspended from all competitions, the club has announced.

The Rugby Football Union confirmed on Tuesday that neither Irish owner Mick Crossan nor the US consortium planning to buy the club could prove they had the finances to enter the Gallagher Premiership for the 2023-24 season.

Crossan said: “Administration has always been the last resort and something we hoped to avoid. And we deeply regret the difficulties this will create for each and every one of you.

“My focus is now on working with the appointed manager and I hope to get the club out of administration as soon as possible.”

Crossan added: ‘As a lifelong fan of London Irish, the club’s suspension is bitterly disappointing, and I understand the grief of our thousands of loyal supporters and the frustrations of our incredible coaches, medical staff, back-office team and players. .

“But this decision ultimately ended any hope of a takeover of the club and unfortunately forced us to file for administration this morning.”

The club based in the capital will not be allowed to play in an English rugby league next season.

The RFU last week extended their deadline for the US consortium interested in buying Irish to complete their takeover of the club, but the 4pm closing on Tuesday was missed.

After it was decided that the club’s financial future was no longer secure, the RFU stepped in and London Irish were relegated to the bottom of the rugby pyramid.

It will be a well-trodden path for Premiership teams as London Irish follow players like Worcester and Wasps who have already left the top for financial reasons.

The announcement of the club’s suspension from all club competitions came on Tuesday, after the deadline was passed.