London Irish are targeting a return to the English professional pyramid next season after being acquired by rugby-loving Essex energy entrepreneur Steve Daniels.
Gamechanger Investments, led by Daniels, has bought the name, brand and associated intellectual property relating to the historic club, which went out of business in 2023, from Kyle Jordan, son of late Formula 1 legend Eddie, and Daniel McKeown.
They plan to resume pro rugby in 2027 and it is understood they had hoped to become the first English team to enter the United Rugby Championship, which features teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.
Those ambitions met with resistance from within the game, so they are expected instead to aim for a place in the Champ, English rugby’s second tier, with a view to winning promotion back to the Prem.
“London Irish is a huge name in rugby and means a great deal to a lot of people. We want to get the club back where it belongs – on the pitch and competing again,” said Daniels.
“Completing this deal is a major step, but there is plenty of work ahead. We are determined to get the foundations right and build a club that is competitive, sustainable and gives supporters something to believe in. We want London Irish firmly back on the rugby map.”
Jamie Balls, former chair of London Irish Amateur RFC, has been named chief executive, after his search for new investors to revive the pro club led him to Daniels.
Who is Steve Daniels, new London Irish owner?
The 47-year-old built a successful energy business, PE Solutions, which became a partner of the Rugby Football Union and hired former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken as a director.
Daniels played amateur rugby for Colchester and has been heavily involved in Mersey Island RFC, where England head coach Steve Borthwick visited to coach the youth team last year.
Balls said: “Our focus is on creating a resilient, self-sustaining rugby organisation that can stand on its own feet from day one, with the foundations in place to deliver long-term stability, growth and future opportunities.
“The immediate priority is to establish the infrastructure needed for the relaunch, including a dedicated communications and media operation and full access to the club’s digital assets. Details of the proposed home ground, competition pathway and wider plans will follow.”
The 128-year-old club now face a race against time to secure a stadium and gain necessary approvals from governing bodies. The women’s team is also to be revived and is thought to be targeting a place in the English top flight.
McKeown added: “Our focus is on creating a resilient, self-sustaining rugby organisation that can stand on its own feet from day one, with the foundations in place to deliver long-term stability, growth and future opportunities.
“The immediate priority is to establish the infrastructure needed for the relaunch, including a dedicated communications and media operation and full access to the club’s digital assets. Details of the proposed home ground, competition pathway and wider plans will follow.”