A consortium led by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has finalised its acquisition of London Irish Rugby Club, aiming to revive the historic side after its 2023 financial collapse. The deal, completed in February 2025 through investment firm Strangford Ellis Ltd., grants the group control of the club’s intellectual property and branding but excludes its former Hazelwood training base. Plans are underway to return London Irish to professional rugby by 2026, with the consortium evaluating entry into the United Rugby Championship (URC) or re-entry through the English Championship.
Founded in 1898, London Irish entered administration in June 2023 with reported debts exceeding £30 million, resulting in its suspension from all competitions. The new ownership group, which includes investors linked to Celtic Football Club and motorsport, has prioritised financial stability. Eddie Jordan, who has managed sports ventures such as the Racing Steps Foundation, confirmed his leadership role despite undergoing treatment for prostate and bladder cancer. “We’re committed to a sustainable rebuild,” he stated.
Central to the strategy is an application for London Irish to join the URC, a cross-border league featuring teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. However, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has historically barred English clubs from overseas competitions to protect domestic league structures. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate the RFU remains opposed to the URC proposal, compelling the consortium to pursue parallel negotiations for a place in the English Championship.
Interim CEO Kyle Jordan, Eddie’s son, is coordinating efforts to secure a permanent home venue. Options under review include a return to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium—where the club played until 2023—or a ground-share agreement with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. The consortium has also proposed a fan ownership model, allowing supporters to acquire minority equity stakes, mirroring structures seen at clubs like German Bundesliga side Union Berlin.
Financial terms of the acquisition remain confidential, though the group has pledged adherence to RFU spending regulations. Rebuilding a competitive squad poses a significant challenge, given the club’s two-year absence from professional rugby. Championship re-entry would require approval from the Rugby Football Championship board and compliance with minimum standards for facilities, staffing, and financial solvency.
Eddie Jordan emphasised community engagement as a cornerstone of the project, citing the need to reconnect with London Irish’s fan base. The RFU has not publicly commented on the club’s league applications, but governance rules suggest the Championship pathway aligns more closely with existing protocols.
Final decisions on league placement and operational structure are expected by late 2025, with the consortium due to outline next steps ahead of the 2026 target restart date.