London Irish have become the latest fallen club to express interest in a revival and play in the 2025/25 Tier 2 league in England next season. Exiles were one of three Gallagher Premiership clubs to go bust during the 2022/23 season as Worcester Warriors and Wasps went into administration.
It was only last month, on September 27, that the RFU set an October 13 deadline for clubs to submit applications to join the revamped 14-team second tier for next season.
Worcester opened their applications on October 1 and now London Irish have followed suit with a 170-word message from Daniel Thomas Loitz posted on social media on Wednesday.
In the 98-second video, Leutz said: “Hello, London Irish supporters. My name is Daniel Thomas Loitz, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hokulani Limited. Today we have exciting news to share with you.
“We have submitted a formal expression of interest to the RFU to join London Irish in the Tier 2 Championship League in 2025/26. This is an important step in our journey to restore the club to its highest level after a painful 12-month suspension.
A message to all London Irish supporters ??
music: @Band Cardinals #London Island #exile #rugby pic.twitter.com/gtfWpH8FKC
— Daniel Thomas Loitz (@DanielLoitz) October 9, 2024
“We are also proud that Hokulani Limited has been selected as the preferred bidder for the London Island brand, assets and intellectual property by its administrator, ReSolve Group.
“We are delighted to have strong financial backing and the support of all staff and players, including former President of Rugby Kieran McCarthy. Your passion as a supporter is what drives the revival and together we are keen to return London Irish to its rightful place in professional rugby.
“Thank you for your continued support and let’s begin this journey together. London Irish are back stronger.”
The London Irish Foundation subsequently launched a petition on Change.org asking for support. “By signing this petition you will be expressing your support for the revival of the club and helping to ensure that the London Irish legacy continues,” read the introduction.
“Together we can return the team to the Championship League for the 2025/26 season and continue the proud history of this iconic club.”
Unlike Worcester and Wasps, who only knocked down two fixtures in the 2022/23 season, London Irish have played every game in that campaign. A 17-14 win over Exeter Chiefs at Brentford on 6 May 2023 saw them finish in 5th place and qualify for next season’s Investec Champions Cup.
However, they were suspended by the RFU a month later and have not played a professional game since then as a takeover attempt to save the club failed.
