English rugby bosses have softened their hardline stance towards London Irish in a last-ditch attempt to save the club from extinction.
The cash-strapped Exiles had set a Tuesday deadline either for a takeover deal to be completed with a US consortium or for Mick Crossan, who owns the club through his company Powerday, to guarantee he would support Irish through next season.
Neither happened and when the players learned, at the 11th hour, that the club had gone back on its commitment to meet the May payroll in full, it seemed sure the Exiles would join Worcester and Wasps in folding.
But after consulting players and staff desperate for whatever owed money they can still get from the Brentford-based club, the Rugby Football Union’s club financial viability working group agreed to a one-week extended deadline.
Paula Carter, RFU board member and chair of the CFVWG, said: “It is deeply frustrating for all the staff, players and fans that there have been months of multiple missed deadlines.
“We are extremely disappointed that the club has so far only funded 50% of the staff and player wages, however, we have to respect the wishes of those most affected.
“The 4pm deadline on 6 June is final and we have added the stipulation that the club must also fulfil its contractual obligations to its employees by paying the May salaries in full.”
After that there can be no further wriggle room as rugby chiefs are determined to avoid another club going belly up mid-season.
Crossan is therefore in no doubt that a takeover of the club has to be completed and approved by the RFU, with the buyers undertaking to provide all required working capital to meet the club’s obligations to both participate and complete next season - or, it will fall on him to provide that funding.
If not the Exiles, who finished the season fifth in the Premiership, will be suspended from participating in next season’s competitions and another sorry chapter in English club rugby will be written.
