Gamechanger acquires London Irish identity in revival bid

Gamechanger Investments has acquired London Irish’s name, brand and associated intellectual property, a step toward reviving the club after it went out of business in 2023. The purchase, from Kyle Jordan and Daniel McKeown, was for an undisclosed fee. The acquisition does not itself secure the club a place in professional competition. Chief executive Jamie Balls said London Irish would seek entry to the Championship, English rugby’s second tier, at the earliest opportunity. He said the club would prefer to return next season if permitted, but would wait another year if it could not. A professional comeback remains subject to approval by governing bodies and competition organisers. The new owners anticipate a formal launch in December 2026 or January 2027, as they work to establish the organisation needed for a possible return. The competition pathway has not been settled. The club had previously explored joining the United Rugby Championship, but those ambitions encountered resistance within the game, according to reports. Balls described the Championship as a more realistic starting point. A home ground is also unconfirmed. Balls said the owners were considering existing...