London Irish rescued by ex-Formula 1 chief and could return to Premier League stadium
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London Irish have reportedly been bought out of administration by a a consortium spearheaded by Eddie Jordan.
They were suspended from the Gallagher Premiership in June 2023 after missing a deadline to pay their players and staff.
Talks regarding a takeover by an American consortium collapsed and this forced the 2008/09 Premiership champions into administration.
However, London Irish could be set for a rugby union return following the arrival of their new custodians
The Times report that Strangford Ellis Ltd are the official owners and have acquired the club’s intellectual property, brand and rights.
Strangford Ellis Ltd are managed by Jordan Associates, a sports assets venture led by former Formula 1 constructor owner Jordan.
He founded the Jordan Grand Prix team that competed in F1 from 1991 until 2005, winning four races and claiming 19 podium finishes.
The team hand Michael Schumacher his debut in the sport while Damon Hill, Eddie Irvine and Martin Brundle, were Brit stars for the team.
Jordan’s son Kyle is a senior partner at Jordan Associates and will lead London Irish on an interim basis.
A return to professional rugby has been targeted for 2026.
“The primary goal of the new ownership is to return London Irish Rugby Club to the pinnacle of international professional club rugby, aiming for a swift return to top-flight competition,” the owners said.
London Irish are the second rugby union side to be purchased by the Jordan-led consortium after French side AS Beziers Herault.
It is said that they’re looking to replicate the success of City Football Group [CFG] with a similar multi-club model.
CFG have full ownership of Manchester City and Melbourne Victory, as well as minority stakes in clubs including Girona and New York City FC.
London Irish used to play at Brentford FC’s Gtech Community Stadium and could return to the Premier League side’s home ground.
They have committed to remaining as a west-London based club and a ground share with Queens Park Rangers is another option for them.
However, their Hazelwood training centre has not been acquired by the new owners.
The 63-acre complex is said to have been previously eyed by Chelsea FC as the home for their women’s side.
