London Irish secure new owners as Exiles target return to professional rugby

London Irish have taken their most significant step toward resurrection after Gamechanger Investments Limited completed the acquisition of the club’s name, brand and intellectual property for an undisclosed fee. The deal, announced this week, hands control of one of English rugby’s most recognisable clubs to a group led by Steve and Sarah Daniels and newly appointed chief executive Jamie Balls MBE.

The Exiles entered administration in 2023, ending 125 years of continuous history and leaving the club without a home, a squad or a competition to play in. London Irish Rugby Football Club Holdings Limited had stepped in to protect the intellectual property while a viable path forward was identified, and the sale to Gamechanger now formally closes that holding period.

“London Irish is a huge name in rugby and means a great deal to a lot of people,” said Steve Daniels, who takes on the role of chair. “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.”

Balls said the immediate priority is building the operational infrastructure required for a relaunch, including a communications and media operation and full access to the club’s digital assets. Decisions on a home ground and competition pathway have not yet been announced and will be confirmed at a later date.

“Our focus is on creating a resilient, self-sustaining rugby organisation that can stand on its own feet from day one,” Balls said. “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 the primary concern after administration was ensuring the club’s history did not simply vanish. “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.”

A formal public launch is anticipated in December 2026 or January 2027. Any return to competitive rugby remains subject to approval from the relevant governing and competition bodies, meaning the precise level at which the Exiles will re-enter the professional game has yet to be determined.