London Irish Announce Takeover By Consortium Of London-Based Irish Businessmen

The London Irish rugby club has announced that a consortium of London-based Irish businessmen "has completed a takeover of the club," according to the London TELEGRAPH. The group, which is led by President Mick Crossan and has former Exiles captain David Fitzgerald acting as interim exec chairman, has "acquired a major shareholding in the company." The owners have "committed substantial new funds to invest in the new centre of excellence at Hazelwood and to strengthen the professional playing squad." Fitzgerald revealed there are "no plans to move ground from Reading, where they are contracted to stay at the Madejski Stadium until 2025-26." While stating that the club now has access to "substantial funds," Fitzgerald "refused to embark on a spending spree to sign new players" (TELEGRAPH, 12/12).