Championship rugby side London Welsh, one of the oldest clubs in English rugby, was "kicked out" of the league on Tuesday after going into liquidation last month, according to Ed Osmond of REUTERS. The club, founded in 1885 and currently based in southwest London, was relegated from the Premiership in '15. The Rugby Football Union said, "Following the appointment of Liquidators in December 2016, a temporary licence was granted by the RFU to London Welsh to enable participation in the Championship." The license expired on Saturday and the club "failed to meet the conditions required by the regulations" (REUTERS, 1/24). The PA's Nick Purewal reported the club's new board was challenged to "provide evidence of funds to pay creditors and clarity on a new business plan, but RFU bosses were left unconvinced." RFU Chair Andy Cosslett said, "It is deeply regrettable that we should arrive at this point, but with London Welsh in liquidation and unable to satisfy conditions to compete in The Greene King IPA Championship as a professional club, participation in the competition became untenable" (PA, 1/24).
PRECIPITOUS DROP: In Cardiff, Anthony Woolford reported London Welsh could "well face starting back up next season" eight tiers down in London South-West Three, playing sides like Battersea Ironsides, Teddington, Bognor, Old Tiffinians and Trojans when just 18 months ago the club was "rubbing shoulders with the Aviva Premiership elite." The RFU decision "does not affect the position of London Welsh Amateur RFC, which will continue as a voting member of the RFU" (WALES ONLINE, 1/24).
RESCUE BID: Woolford reported in a separate piece former All Blacks Dan Carter and Ali Williams are reportedly among a consortium of New Zealand businessmen "bidding to save" the club. The Rugby Paper suggested that both former All Blacks "want to get involved in a business that they can contribute some value to and will likely be used to attract players to the club." When contacted, the group that represents both Carter and Williams was "yet to respond for comment." Carter and Williams currently play together for Top14 side Racing 92 "but have history in undertaking ventures off the rugby field together" (WALES ONLINE, 1/24).
