London Irish issue 55-word statement about unpaid salaries story

London Irish have issued a 55-word statement in response to a media report alleging that players and staff would not be paid their monthly salaries. The Gallagher Premiership awoke on Wednesday to two damaging reports – that Newcastle were reportedly considering voluntary relegation from the top-flight to the Championship for 2023/24, and that there was concern at London Irish over wages amid a delay in fresh investment into the club.

A Sportsmail report read: “London Irish players, coaches and staff are anxiously waiting to discover if they will be paid later this week amid growing fears of financial turmoil, as a buy-out of the club has been delayed.

“Sportsmail has learned that Exiles employees are worried about the threat of their monthly wages not being received. It is understood that coaches and players have been seeking assurances, after being made aware of potential trouble.

“On Tuesday night, Premiership Rugby and the RFU claimed that ‘a cash flow solution’ has been found, to alleviate the danger of the payroll deadline not being met. However, any solution is based on confirmation of new investment – believed to be from the United States – which has been held up for some time.

“Well-placed sources say this is not the first time this season that there have been doubts over wages, at a time when owner Mick Crossan has been trying to relinquish control of the club. It is thought that there were similar fears around Christmas, which proved to be unfounded. Employees have been told repeatedly that a buy-out is imminent – but that is yet to take place.

“The PRL hierarchy are convinced it will happen ‘soon’, with the spectre of Wasps and Worcester’s financial collapses still looming large over the sport. Crossan told Sportsmail last September that he was ready to give Irish away for free, having presided over a return to London from Reading, in a ground-share with Brentford.”

These claims prompted a response from London Irish. Their statement read: “It has been public knowledge that the club is exploring its options with regards to investment. However, no comment will be made until there is anything to announce.

“In regards to recent media reports, London Irish can categorically confirm that all staff will be paid this month. Anything reported to the contrary is pure speculation.”