The prospective new owner of London Irish has revealed that the club has applied for a spot in the Championship for the 2025/26 season. This follows the club’s demise in 2023 under previous owner Mick Crossan of Powerday.
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Loitz, the man behind the bid to revive the storied former Premiership side, expressed optimism about reforming the club and maximizing the potential of their Hazlewood training facility, which has previously hosted NFL teams in London.
In a statement to supporters, Loitz confirmed the application to join the Championship, though a takeover deal remains in progress. The club’s administrators have indicated ongoing discussions with Loitz, who is also engaging with creditors and the Rugby Football Union.
With plans for a new second tier of English rugby potentially accommodating up to 16 teams, the opportunity for London Irish to rise from the ashes and reclaim their place in the sport is becoming increasingly tangible.
“I want to see professional rugby thriving and establish a clear pathway between the London Irish amateur and professional clubs,” Loitz stated. “Without this connection, we risk becoming out of touch. As an outsider, this is my assessment.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced by young talent in rugby, he added, “In the last eight months, I’ve witnessed many gifted individuals stepping away from the sport due to a lack of opportunities. Rugby doesn’t attract the same numbers as football or other sports.”
Loitz highlighted the potential impact of retaining young talent: “If we lose 80 academy players, not all would make it, but surely 15 or 20 could contribute to the club and help establish a strong identity.”
Emphasizing his commitment to the integrity of rugby, he remarked, “We are not American Football. It’s absurd that a club can be bought in St Louis and relocated to Los Angeles. That risks eroding our core values.”
Addressing the financial realities, he concluded, “I understand that entering the Championship involves settling debts, and I have proposals on the table to make that happen. I am ready to take that step.”
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36), according to the odds
BACK-THREE (6)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 4/9
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 8/11
- George Furbank (England) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
- Owen Farrell (England) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 8/11
