RPA statement: The deadline extension given to London Irish

English players union RPA have issued a short statement following Wednesday evening’s decision by the RFU to give London Irish a six-day extension to get their finances in order for next season.

The 2022/23 fifth-place finishers are threatened with suspension from the 2023/24 tournament unless they either complete their mooted takeover by an American-led consortium or else prove they have means themselves to fund next season.

The original May 30 deadline was afforded a day’s grace on the proviso that players and staff would receive their salaries in full.

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Instead, it emerged the following day that only 50 per cent of these wages were paid. That shortfall would have allowed the RFU to knock the saga on its head now and suspend London Irish from the Premiership.

However, at the behest of players at the club, the governing body agreed to award a six-day extension in the hope that everything will finally get sorted out.

The delicate situation prompted a statement from the RPA that read: “Whilst we are disappointed that only 50 per cent of player and staff wages for May have now been paid, the wishes of the London Irish player group have been respected in terms of taking all possible action to facilitate the completion of the proposed takeover of London Irish Rugby Football Club.

“This has resulted in a seven-day extension to the RFU deadline. We have remained reasonable throughout this period in light of the various assurances that have been given to both the players and ourselves, and have given the club and its owner every opportunity to complete the necessary work.

“We now urge all parties concerned to complete the necessary work by the June 6 deadline as set out by the RFU.”