The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is set to reject London Irish’s request to leave the English league system and join the United Rugby Championship (URC). The west London club, recently emerging from two years in administration following its acquisition by a consortium led by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan, aimed to compete in the multinational league alongside teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa. However, the move requires RFU approval, and multiple sources indicate the governing body is unlikely to grant permission.
Under RFU regulations, even changing a fixture venue requires board approval, making a full league switch highly improbable. The proposal must first be assessed by the RFU’s legal and governance department before being presented to the board. While Premiership Rugby Limited has expressed skepticism about Irish’s plans, it considers the decision to be in the RFU’s hands.
The reluctance to allow the move stems partly from the financial support Irish received while competing in England. Since 2016, the club has benefited from nearly £150m in RFU funding. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of Irish continuing to operate junior teams within the Premiership academy system while its senior team plays in a rival league. Given the RFU’s investment in player development, such an arrangement would create complications.
There is no precedent for an English club leaving the domestic structure, with similar discussions involving Wasps two years ago failing to gain traction. A proposal to introduce Welsh teams into the Premiership was also dismissed last year. A comparable issue recently arose in football when the Football Association rejected a request from Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport to participate in a new Welsh League Cup while remaining in the English system. The FA cited concerns about competition integrity, a factor that could also influence the RFU’s decision on London Irish.
In a statement announcing the club’s acquisition, Jordan’s investment company, Strangford Ellis Ltd, expressed ambitions to restore Irish to the highest level of professional rugby. However, with a move to the URC appearing unlikely, the new ownership group led by Jordan’s son, Kyle may have to focus on securing a place in the Championship.
Worcester Warriors recently launched a bid to join the Championship from 2026, with a decision pending from a new tier-two board that includes representatives from the RFU and the Championship. However, some Championship clubs oppose the return of Worcester, Wasps, and Irish to professional rugby at the second-tier level, preferring they start in the National League.
London Irish’s new owners have yet to confirm their home venue but have stated they intend to remain in west London. Possible stadium options include Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and QPR’s Loftus Road, but both require the club to be competing in the Championship at a minimum. The RFU and Premiership Rugby have declined to comment on the situation.
