London Irish’s protracted takeover has hit new delays, as club staff were this morning still yet to be paid April’s wages.
The Exiles’ prospective new owners are understood to have told players and staff in a meeting on Friday that payments would be delayed, but that the issue would be resolved promptly.
The American consortium locked in talks to buy Irish from owner Mick Crossan had hoped to have completed the deal already, but delays are thought to have been put down to red-tape issues.
Irish have enjoyed a resurgent campaign, riding high in fifth place in the Gallagher Premiership table. But the Brentford-based Exiles are carrying £30million of debt and need the takeover to go through to safeguard the club’s future.
Worcester and Wasps have already both gone bust in one of the most damaging seasons in Premiership history.
Premiership chiefs hope to reshape the league into a 10-team format for the 2024-25 season and are determined to avoid any further clubs going under.
American investment has long been viewed as a major route to the Premiership solving financial concerns, and the Irish brand has proved a strong selling point.
Crossan has vowed to steer the ship until the new administration can take the helm.
London Irish were contacted for comment, while representatives of the prospective owners declined to comment on the current situation.
Irish host Exeter on Saturday in their final match of the season.
