London Irish target pro return next year after takeover by Essex entrepreneur

London Irish are targeting a return to the English professional pyramid next season after being acquired by rugby-loving Essex energy entrepreneur Steve Daniels. Gamechanger Investments, led by Daniels, has bought the name, brand and associated intellectual property relating to the historic club, which went out of business in 2023, from Kyle Jordan, son of late Formula 1 legend Eddie, and Daniel McKeown. They plan to resume pro rugby in 2027 and it is understood they had hoped to become the first English team to enter the United Rugby Championship, which features teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. Those ambitions met with resistance from within the game, so they are expected instead to aim for a place in the Champ, English rugby’s second tier, with a view to winning promotion back to the Prem. “London Irish is a huge name in rugby and means a great deal to a lot of people. We want to get the club back where it belongs – on the pitch and competing a