Breaking: RFU Rules On London Welsh’s Championship Status
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London Welsh have ceased to exist as a professional club after being refused permission to stay in the Championship by the Rugby Football Union.
The Championship side were granted a temporary licence on 22 December to play their last two league games after going into liquidation last month. However, the RFU says the club have not met the conditions required to extend that licence.
Welsh were formed in 1885, and produced 177 Wales internationals. The former Premiership club, who had a winding-up order issued against them dismissed on Monday, were bottom of the Championship table, having been deducted 20 points for going into liquidation.
Welsh had been hoping to complete the season as a phoenix entity, but they were unable to provide a bond to the RFU or show evidence they would be able to pay rugby creditors in full.
All their results will be expunged from the Championship, and there will be no relegation from the second tier this season. A consortium of Kiwi businessmen, featuring the likes of Dan Carter and Ali Williams are said to be interested in buying the club, but today’s news may have affected that.
RFU chairman Andy Cosslett said Welsh’s place in the league was “untenable”.
“It is deeply regrettable that we should arrive at this point.
“We know this will be an extremely disappointing day for everyone connected with London Welsh. The sadness at the loss of this club from the professional ranks will be shared throughout the game.”
A sad day for rugby.
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