London Irish have today filed for administration - blaming their suspension by the Rugby Football Union for ending any hope of finding a buyer.
The Exiles last night became the third Premiership club this season to fold, following Worcester and Wasps down the road to nowhere.
RFU chairman Tom llube blamed “unsustainable business models” for the clubs failing, adding that all three “have had fragile business models for many years”.
London Irish owner Mick Crossan said he was “extremely disappointed” with the governing body’s decision to suspend his club from the Premiership and said llube’s comments “completely overlook the precarious situation other clubs are currently in.”
Pointing an accusing finger at the powers-that-be, he added: “Collectively, owners of clubs are working very hard to transform their models, but the lack of real support, at times, is non-existent.
“It speaks volumes that Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling have been appointed by the Government as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union in the UK.
“The professional game in this country needs to be radically transformed. And the current leadership must urgently review its practices from top to bottom if it has a desire to see professional rugby continue in England.”
Crossan acquired the Exiles in 2013 and for the past decade has pumped many millions into the club.
In an open letter to players, staff and fans, he said: “We have worked tirelessly over the last few years to develop a more sustainable business model, trying to tap into the Irish community, developing new revenue streams, investing in our fantastic academy to develop future stars, and of course bringing the club back to its spiritual home in West London after 20 years away.
“However, the reality is that professional rugby in this country is going through a hugely challenging time and after a decade of supporting the club financially, it is not feasible for me to continue absorbing the multi-million-pound losses of the club each year, indefinitely.”
Crossan added: “Administration has always been the last resort, and something we hoped we could avoid. And we bitterly regret the difficulties it will present to each and every one of you.
My focus is now on working with the appointed administrator and I hope that the club will come out of administration as quickly as possible.
“This development does not affect London Irish Amateur Rugby Football Club, to whom we recently granted a long lease on the Hazelwood premises and playing fields, or the operation of the Hazelwood facility whose facilities are extensively used for the benefit of all types of sporting activities and for the wider benefit of the local community.
“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your commitment, passion, and hard work during your time at the club. I share your sadness and frustration at today’s news, and I very much hope the administrators, who will be communicating with you very soon, can find a way forward for London Irish Rugby Club.”
