London Irish return on course despite death of Jordan

Despite Eddie Jordan’s passing, his son claims, London Irish are on track for a 2026 return.

Last month, a consortium led by Jordan managed to remove the Exiles from the government.

Jordan, who had aggressive prostate cancer, passed away on March 20 in Cape Town, South Africa. He was 76.

“Our approach is still in place. Nothing has changed in our quest to return to competitive rugby by September 2026, according to interim London Irish CEO Kyle Jordan, son of Eddie Jordan.

Six days before Jordan’s passing, London Irish announced their intention to return to the fan ownership model in 2026.

“While Dad was a major factor in this journey, our plans were always to move with him in the background,” said one.

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time world champion, made his debut in 1991 with Jordan’s Formula 1 team, which won four grand prix in 15 years.

Following the Irishman’s death, tributes were received from all over the motorsport industry, with his son describing his “huge” loss.

Through competition, culture, and unwavering belief, Kyle continued, “He was my mentor, my hero, and the person who helped shape how I see the world.”

Following a Premiership suspension for failing to pay their players or consent to the sale of the financially troubled club, London Irish filed for administration with debts of £30 million in June 2023.

The club has since been inactive, players moving on, and so far.

Wasps and Worcester also stopped operating during the same time.

Irish applied to join the expanded Championship for the 2025-26 season along with Wasps and Worcester.