A consortium led by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has acquired the London Irish rugby club, over a year after the Premiership team was suspended from all rugby due to its inability to pay players.
The financial turmoil led the club to enter administration following the suspension in June 2023. Dubliner Jordan, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, established a consortium named Jordan Associates the following year to purchase the club, which was originally founded in 1898.
Officially, the new ownership is held by Strangford Ellis Ltd, managed by Jordan Associates.
“The Jordan Associates team will now focus on negotiating a full and sustainable return for London Irish to competitive rugby, in collaboration with the club’s supporter base,” stated the club. The financial specifics of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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Eddie’s youngest son Kyle, a senior partner in the consortium, mentioned that the new owners intend to engage with the global Irish diaspora to enhance the club’s brand.
“Our investors offer not only financial support but also a deep passion for rugby and dedication to the community,” he continued.
Lee Manning of Evelyn Partners, the joint administrator of London Irish, remarked: “We have diligently worked during this administration to protect the value of this historic and beloved club.”
“Despite several false starts regarding interested parties showing keen interest in acquiring London Irish, we are thrilled to have identified a buyer with plans to rejuvenate the club.”
London Irish, who have clinched the second-tier RFU Championship twice, relocated to soccer side Brentford’s home ground in 2020 after spending two decades in Reading.
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