London Irish Rugby Club is reportedly in financial trouble after failing to pay its players and staff last month, according to The Times.
The news has raised concerns about the financial stability of the club, and whether it will be able to pay its employees in the future.
Players and staff have been called to a meeting on Tuesday, where it is hoped that they will receive confirmation that their salaries, which were promised on Monday, will come through later that day. The delay in pay has been attributed to company accounts and complications regarding the Bank Holiday weekend.
Sources have indicated that London Irish is on the verge of being taken over by an American consortium, with Howard Thomas, a former chief executive of Premiership Rugby, said to be involved. However, the club has not made any official comment on the matter.
The missed pay runs are red flags that have previously foreshadowed the respective demises of Worcester Warriors and Wasps earlier this season, so concern is understandably high. Last month, London Irish issued a statement in response to a Daily Mail story, denying that employees were in danger of missing their salaries for March.
“It has been public knowledge that the club is exploring its options with regards to investment, however no comment will be made until there is anything to announce,” the statement read.
“In regards to recent media reports, London Irish can categorically confirm that all staff will be paid this month. Anything reported to the contrary is pure speculation.”
The news of financial trouble for London Irish is concerning for everyone involved in the sport. The Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) has been closely monitoring the situation and has already offered support to affected players.
It is crucial that the situation is resolved in a responsible and transparent manner to ensure the future sustainability of the club and the welfare of its employees.
PREMIERSHIP CLUBS RANKED BY TOTAL DEBT:
#13. Gloucester – £27m
#12. Northampton Saints £26.5m
#11. Worcester Warriors – £26.5m
#10. Exeter Chiefs – £28.2m
