Eddie Jordan’s Consortium Revives London Irish Rugby Club with Ambitious Plans

A New Chapter for London Irish

London Irish Rugby Club, a historic name in the rugby union, has been acquired by a consortium led by former Formula 1 team owner and renowned businessman Eddie Jordan. The club was forced into administration in June 2023 due to unpaid wages and significant debts totaling approximately £30 million. This move comes as a lifeline for the club, which was previously ousted from the Premiership and barred from league participation.

Ambitious Goals for the Future

The consortium, named The Jordan Associates, has set its sights on a rapid return to professional rugby. In a statement, the group emphasized its commitment to restoring London Irish to the pinnacle of international club rugby. "Our primary goal is to return London Irish to top-flight competition, and we are dedicated to achieving this in collaboration with the club’s passionate supporter base," the statement read.

A Legacy of Success

Eddie Jordan, who founded the Jordan Grand Prix Formula 1 team in 1991, brings a wealth of experience in sports management and a proven track record of success. Under his leadership, the Jordan F1 team secured four race victories between 1998 and 2003. His son, Kyle Jordan, a senior partner in the consortium, expressed enthusiasm for the project: "We are incredibly excited to steer London Irish towards new heights. Our investors are not only providing financial backing but also a deep passion for rugby and a commitment to the community."

Expanding the Club’s Reach

The consortium also aims to leverage the global Irish diaspora to strengthen the club’s brand and fanbase. This initiative aligns with the club’s ethos of representing the Irish community in the UK and beyond. The group plans to work closely with supporters to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for London Irish.

Looking Ahead

London Irish, whose historic home is in Sunbury, southwest London, has a storied past and a loyal following. The club played at Reading Football Club’s ground for two decades before relocating to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in 2020. With Eddie Jordan’s consortium at the helm, the club is poised to reclaim its place in professional rugby and inspire a new generation of fans.

A Personal Battle

In a personal note, Eddie Jordan revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with a "quite aggressive" form of cancer affecting his bladder and prostate, which has since spread to his spine and pelvis. Despite this challenge, Jordan remains actively involved in the project, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the club’s revival.