London Irish to ring the changes

LONDON IRISH were given a ringing endorsement from their members for proposals to restructure and refinance the club at their extraordinary general meeting last week.

Some 96 per cent of members voted for the changes, with 370 voters in support and only 13 against. The move will immediately bring in Pounds 1 million to the club, with another Pounds 1 million to follow shortly afterwards in a share deal involving eight principal investors and the club members.

The Sunbury club have also been trying to strengthen their squad and have approached at least two Ireland players.

Mark McCall, the Irish and Dungannon centre who spent most of last season sidelined with a thumb injury and who played in only one of his club's AIL matches - the final game against St Mary's College - has been offered a one-year contract and is considering the move to London. McCall was omitted from the 35-man Irish squad announced on Monday.

Ireland and Ballymena winger James Topping, who is still recovering from a recent groin surgery, is also said to be on Anderson's shopping list for the coming season. Topping has been included in the Irish panel.

London Irish, who struggled last season to maintain their Division One status, have been forced into the financial move to accommodate the changing face of rugby.

The consortium, which includes the founder of the Ballygowan spring water company, Geoff Read, as well as seven other successful businessmen from the Irish community, had been planning the restructure since December of last year.

"From the consortium's point of view, it is a clear endorsement to go forward and it will provide greater financial stability. Everyone is of the firm belief that the initial investment is the first of many," said chief executive Duncan Leopold.

Estimates coming from Britain suggest it costs Pounds 1.5 million to run a professional rugby team for a season, something which was pointed out by committee member Tom Kiernan at the Irish Rugby Football Union AGM last week in Dublin.

London Irish coach Willie Anderson, who is currently on holidays, will arrive back next week to meet the new board of the club and discuss budgetary and player requirements for the coming season.

The Sunbury side travel to meet Richmond in their first Courage League game on August 23rd before playing host to Sale in their second fixture on August 30th.