Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

RPA statement: The deadline extension given to London Irish

By Liam Heagney
(Photo by PA)

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Video Spacer

Simon McIntyre vows Sale Sharks will return after Premiership Final

Video Spacer

Simon McIntyre vows Sale Sharks will return after Premiership Final

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.

Related

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Chasing The Sun | Series 1 Episode 1

Fresh Starts | Episode 2 | Sam Whitelock

Royal Navy Men v Royal Air Force Men | Full Match Replay

Royal Navy Women v Royal Air Force Women | Full Match Replay

Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 9

James Cook | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

New Zealand victorious in TENSE final | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Men's Highlights

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

FEATURE
FEATURE Thierry Futeu: 'The policeman chased me, I pretended to throw a stone at his head and ran for the border' Thierry Futeu: 'The policeman chased me, I pretended to throw a stone at his head and ran for the border'
Search