Discussions have taken place between a major American fund, which is on the verge of acquiring London Irish, and AFC Wimbledon regarding a potential agreement to share a ground.
London Irish currently shares the Gtech Community Stadium with Brentford, but there are concerns that the rugby club may receive notice when the contract is reviewed in three years due to concerns about the impact of rugby on the pitch.
According to the Mail Online, the contract was signed in 2018 when Brentford was still in the Championship, but the club is now in the Premier League and no longer requires the rent.
London Irish’s owner, Mick Crossan, is nearing completion of a deal with a consortium that includes Redstrike, whose MD is Howard Thomas, former CEO of Premiership Rugby.
“Marquee signing” – London Irish set for spending spree under new new ownership
There is optimism within the club that the takeover could be finalized by next week. With Worcester Warriors and Wasps having already gone into administration this season, the English rugby community cannot afford to lose another club.
London Irish’s debts exceed £30 million and they are expected to start repaying their Covid recovery loans to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the near future.
Find below five possible signings.
#1. Cameron Jordan (Gloucester)
According to The Rugby Paper’s report this morning, the Exiles are considering buying out the contract of a 23-year-old former England U18 lock currently playing for Gloucester.
The player has made 22 appearances for the Cherry and Whites this season, and a potential move for him has been discussed in the event that the Irish takeover is successful.
