Yet another sponsor reviewing relationship with London Irish - reports

Yet another sponsor is reviewing its relationship with London Irish following the signing of Paddy Jackson.

Both Diageo and Cash Converters have cut ties with the club in recent weeks, claiming the club was no longer ‘consistent’ with their values.

In the case of Diageo, the termination of the association Guinness have had with London Irish ends an almost 30 years relationship.

Their association started in 1992, but allegations that its parent company Diageo had “serious concerns” about Jackson joining the club for next season’s Premiership campaign following a one-year stint in France have resulted in a parting of the ways.

A third sponsor is now considering stepping away from the London Irish. According to reports Paddy Whiskey are now reviewing their relationship with the club.

The Irish Times are reporting that what appears to be the brands official Facebook page said it was conducting a review with the club, after a member posted a picture of Paddy Jackson in the comments section of a post by the page.

In response to the user, the page admin posted: “we have no input into team selection or signings, but we will be reviewing our partnership with London Irish in the coming weeks.

“We have shared your concerns with London Irish as a matter of urgency.”

Antipathy towards Jackson from a section of the public has surfaced in recent weeks surrounding his move to the newly promoted Premiership outfit. Others however have branded the moves as opportunistic and cynical attempts to play to a perceived popular public sentiment regarding the controversial former Irish international’s off-field behaviour.

The controversy surrounding Jackson dates back to him having his contract dramatically torn up by the IRFU in 2018.

Along with Ulster team-mate Stuart Olding, who is now at Brive, Jackson was found not guilty of rape at a trial in Belfast last year.

However, the IRFU took exception to a series of WhatsApp messages that came to light during the court trial and they axed the pair, forcing them to head to France to continue their playing careers.