"Marquee signing" - London Irish set for spending spree under new new ownership
Rugby NewsSunday, 09 April 2023 at 10:18
An American consortium is poised to take over London Irish, the debt-ridden Premiership club. However, the consortium must first pass the Rugby Football Union’s fit and proper persons test.
Negotiations between the consortium and the current owner, Mick Crossan, who had initially offered to give the club away for free, have been ongoing for several weeks.
There is optimism within the club that the takeover could be finalized by next week. With Worcester Warriors and Wasps having already gone into administration this season, the English rugby community cannot afford to lose another club.
London Irish's debts exceed £30 million and they are expected to start repaying their Covid recovery loans to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the near future.
Find below five possible signings.
#1. Cameron Jordan (Gloucester)
According to The Rugby Paper's report this morning, the Exiles are considering buying out the contract of a 23-year-old former England U18 lock currently playing for Gloucester.
The player has made 22 appearances for the Cherry and Whites this season, and a potential move for him has been discussed in the event that the Irish takeover is successful.
Cameron Jordan of Gloucester Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Gloucester Rugby and Wasps at Kingsholm on 11 September. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)
lthough he has toured French club Castres as part of a possible move to the Top 14, Watson could still pursue his international career if he were to sign with his boyhood club.
Additionally, he would be an ideal replacement for Ollie Hassell-Collins, who is set to join Leicester Tigers in the upcoming summer.
Anthony Watson of England during the England Rugby Training camp at the Honda England Rugby Performance Centre, Pennyhill Park on 30 Jan. 2023 Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks)
After the 2023 Rugby World Cup, another England international is set to be without a club.
Nevertheless, Sale Sharks' Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, remains optimistic that Tuilagi will decide to remain in the North West, where he has been a vital player since transferring from Leicester Tigers.
Nonetheless, Tuilagi could also make an excellent marquee signing for the new owners.
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)
Although he may be past his prime, Jones would still make a solid marquee signing for the new ownership.
However, his contract with the region is set to expire at the end of the season, and he would have to sign a new agreement in order to continue playing beyond that.
Alun Wyn Jones of Wales during the Wales Rugby Captains Run ahead of the Six Nations Match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium, London on 24 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
#5. Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
As Tom Willis prepares to join Saracens this summer, there is a possibility that big Billy could become available, provided that he is willing to accept a reduced salary to remain with his current club.
Given the opportunity to stay in London on a lucrative contract, this prospect could be highly enticing for the powerful England player.
Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
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