London Irish take major step towards professional rugby return

London Irish have moved a significant step closer to a planned return to professional rugby after new owners Gamechanger Investments Ltd completed the acquisition of the club’s name, brand and associated intellectual property.

Led by Steve and Sarah Daniels, alongside newly appointed chief executive Jamie Balls MBE, the group has made clear its ambition to bring the Exiles back onto the pitch and restore one of English rugby’s most recognisable names to the professional game.

The undisclosed fee secures the future of a club founded in 1898 and marks the start of a new chapter following the uncertainty that surrounded London Irish after it entered administration in 2023.

Gamechanger’s acquisition follows a process that began earlier this year. London Irish Rugby Football Club Holdings Limited secured the club’s intellectual property in early 2025, with the aim of protecting its identity and finding the right people to lead its revival.

Steve, who is the new owner and chair of London Irish, said: “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.

“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.”

Working alongside both Steve and Sarah will be Jamie, who 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.”

Daniel McKeown, chair of London Irish Rugby Football Club Holdings Limited, said: “When London Irish went into administration, the real risk was that 125 years of history would simply disappear, so we stepped in to make sure it did not.

“We explored every credible route back, including beyond the English game, and concluded that London Irish is better served playing and building now than waiting on a path that is not viable at this time.

“Steve, Sarah and Jamie have the ambition and commitment to do exactly that, and we are proud to hand this great club on to them. We will be cheering it onwards and upwards.”

A formal launch is anticipated in December 2026 or January 2027, with work continuing behind the scenes to put the necessary structures in place. A return to competition will remain subject to approval from the relevant governing and competition bodies.

News of Irish’s return to competitive action has been warmly welcomed by Paul O’Callaghan, chair of London Irish Amateur RFC, who commented: “Reuniting the club as one Exile family would be good for English rugby and tremendous news for our supporters and the Irish diaspora across the UK.

“This ambition has the full support of London Irish Amateur RFC – and we look forward to helping bring that shared future to life.”