A consortium backed by former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has taken over London Irish rugby club, purchasing the team’s intellectual property, brand and rights.
The deal, completed through investment vehicle Strangford Ellis Ltd, does not include the club’s Hazelwood training base.
The takeover comes after German businessman Daniel Loitz, who had been the preferred bidder, withdrew from the process on Tuesday citing “frequent and unexplained changes” to the deal parameters.
Loitz, representing Hokulani Limited, had aimed to acquire both the club’s IP and the Hazelwood training facility, having provided proof of funds twice to administrators ReSolve.
Eddie Jordan’s consortium has rescued London Irish Rugby Club
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In a statement, he expressed concern about the future of rugby at Hazelwood, saying: “Should the administrators and other stakeholders choose a path that jeopardises the future of rugby at this historic site, that decision will rest with them.”
His company’s vision had focused on preserving London Irish’s legacy and maintaining Hazelwood as “a thriving hub for the sport and its supporters.”
The new owners have set their sights on returning London Irish to professional rugby by 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 consortium told The Times.
“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity to steer London Irish towards new heights,” Jordan Associates senior partner Kyle Jordan – Eddie Jordan’s youngest son – said.
London Irish entered administration in 2023
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“Our investors bring not just financial backing but a profound passion for rugby and a commitment to the community, and in particular want to reach out to the global Irish diaspora to build the exile brand.”
The club is expected to explore entry into the United Rugby Championship (URC) rather than the English league system, where Worcester Warriors are currently seeking to return via the Championship.
Jordan’s consortium recently expanded its rugby interests, having completed a purchase of French ProD2 side AS Béziers Hérault in November 2024.
To comply with European rugby regulations on multiple-club ownership, London Irish’s acquisition was structured through Strangford Ellis Ltd, an investment vehicle managed by Jordan Associates.
This arrangement ensures the consortium can maintain interests in both clubs while adhering to ownership rules.
London Irish entered administration in June 2023 with unpaid debts of approximately £30m after a proposed American consortium takeover collapsed.
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London Irish had debts of around £30million
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The club had been playing their home matches at Brentford Football Club’s Gtech Community Stadium.
Despite their financial troubles, London Irish had shown strong on-field performance, finishing their final Gallagher Premiership season in fifth place before their collapse.