Eddie Jordan completes takeover of former Premiership Rugby club

byRugby Rucker

Former Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan has swooped in to save London Irish, taking the club out of administration after it collapsed in 2023 with £30 million in debt.

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But he’s not stopping there—he’s reportedly looking into securing the Exiles a place in the United Rugby Championship (URC), according to The Times.

Jordan’s investment group, Strangford Ellis Ltd, has snapped up the intellectual property, brand, and rights of London Irish. However, the deal doesn’t include the Hazelwood training centre, which was separated from the club’s financial wreckage.

At the heart of the revival is Kyle Jordan, Eddie Jordan’s son and a senior partner at Jordan Associates, which specialises in minority stakes in historic sporting institutions. He’ll lead the club in the short term, with a clear target: returning to professional rugby by 2026.

A fresh start – with the fans at the centre

In a bold move, the new ownership is introducing a fan ownership model, giving supporters the chance to buy into the club. It’s a strategy designed to reconnect with the global Irish diaspora and reinforce the Exiles’ brand.

“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to steer London Irish towards new heights,” said Kyle Jordan. “Our investors bring not just financial backing but a profound passion for rugby and a commitment to the community.”

Could the Exiles be set for a stunning comeback in the URC? Watch this space.

#5. Bruce Craig

Nationality: English
Net worth: 361m
Rugby CV: Owner Bath rugby

Having inherited business from his father, Bruce gave it a new shape and has earned whopping money. His current net worth has crossed the $361 million mark and is still increasing. Craig has invested in Bath Rugby team and is also banking good numbers from there as the club is generating $16.8 million.

#4. Stephen Lansdown

Nationality: English
Net worth: £1.5billion
Rugby CV: Owner Bristol Rugby

Stephen Lansdown, the owner of Bristol Rugby and Bristol City FC, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Bristol-based financial Group Hargreaves Lansdown in 1981, co-founding the company.

With an estimated net worth of around £1.5 billion, he holds the distinction of being the wealthiest individual in British Rugby Union.

Lansdown's financial support for Bristol Rugby began during the 2008-09 season, although this fact remained undisclosed until 2012 when he officially confirmed his ownership of the club.

#3. Mohed Altrad

Nationality: Syrian/French
Networth: $1.7 billion
Rugby CV: Majority shareholder in Montpellier Herault

Altrad, who migrated to France from Syria in 1969, faced the daunting task of adapting to a new country without knowledge of the French language. During those challenging times, he managed to sustain himself on just one meal per day. Presently, Altrad stands at the helm of the Altrad Group, headquartered in Montpellier. The company has established itself as a global leader in the manufacturing of scaffolding and cement mixers, generating revenues of $2.4 billion and employing over 21,000 individuals.

Altrad is also the primary shareholder in Montpellier, where he shares his rationale, stating, "However, above all else, I chose sports because it encapsulates the principles I have consistently upheld throughout my life and within the Altrad Group: passion, dedication, the pursuit of success while maintaining respect for others, and the spirit of solidarity that binds teamwork together. Among various sports, rugby, as those familiar with it or who have played it can attest, truly embodies these values. The MHR (Montpellier Hérault Rugby), in particular, is making remarkable strides—a testament to its exceptional progress this year. It represents the kind of challenge I find appealing."

#2. Hans-Peter Wild

Nationality: German
Net Worth: €3 Billion
Rugby CV: Wild Rugby Academy Founder, Stade Francais Owner

Hans-Peter Wild, a German billionaire, is the son of Rudolf, the founder of Wild company, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of natural ingredients. In 1970, he co-founded the renowned Capri Sun drinks line, which has contributed significantly to his increasing wealth over the years.

A passionate supporter of what he playfully refers to as "the wildest gentlemen's game," Hans-Peter Wild has made substantial investments in German rugby at the grassroots level, achieving remarkable success. Their goal to establish internationally successful rugby "made in Germany" is well underway, with significant strides made towards reaching the top division of the European Nations Cup. Wild's positive approach extends to his recent acquisition of a controlling stake in the troubled French club, Stade Francais.

With the injection of Wild's financial resources and his determined mindset, there is hope that the Parisian team can reclaim their former glory and return to the pinnacle of rugby success.

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#1. Jacky Lorenzetti

Nationality: Swiss
Net Worth: €4 billion
Rugby CV: Racing 92 Majority Owner

Unlike many others on this list, Jacky Lorenzetti did not grow up as a rugby enthusiast. Hailing from Switzerland and having graduated from a hotel school in Lausanne, he had limited exposure to the sport.

After establishing Foncia, which has held the title of Europe's largest real estate company since 2006, Lorenzetti married his wife in France and developed a passion for rugby through her brothers. This newfound love for the game led him to acquire a controlling share of 62% in Racing Club 92, a second division French team at the time.

Under Lorenzetti's guidance, Racing Club 92 has transformed into a force to be reckoned with. He has invested in cutting-edge training facilities, attracted top-tier players from around the world, and propelled Les Ciels et Blancs to the pinnacle of European rugby.

Although the proposed merger with Stade Francais, which ultimately fell through, would have likely brought even greater dominance, Lorenzetti's financial support remains instrumental in Racing's achievements, exemplifying the influence of deep pockets in the Top 14 league.