Special: New US proprietors of London Irish enquire about prolonged-term groundshare with AFC Wimbledon… with fund prepared to make investments £7m in upgrading Plough Lane if offer is sealed
London Irish at the moment share the Gtech Local community Stadium with BrentfordThe offer was agreed in 2018 when Brentford ended up nonetheless in the ChampionshipConcerns about rugby’s effect on pitch have set tension on the agreement
A main American fund near to having around London Irish have held talks about a groundshare offer with AFC Wimbledon.
London Irish at this time share the Gtech Community Stadium with Brentford, but there are fears the rugby club could be served see when the deal is reviewed in 3 several years.
Problems about rugby’s influence on the pitch have place strain on the arrangement, which was sealed in 2018 when Brentford ended up continue to in the Championship.
But they are now in the Leading League and no extended dependent on the hire.
Irish owner Mick Crossan is near to a deal with a consortium fronted by Redstrike, whose MD is ex-Premiership Rugby main Howard Thomas.
London Irish presently share the Gtech Local community Stadium with Brentford
Although a stadium shift would not be instant, it is comprehended the consortium have enquired about a lengthy-time period tenancy offer at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane.
And an Irish spokesperson claimed the existing club hierachy had previously held exploratory talks about staging a Premiership Cup match at Wimbledon.
Just one source suggested the consortium would devote £7million into upgrading Plough Lane to deliver it up to Premiership Rugby’s minimal criteria, improving the pitch and generating at the very least one particular short-term stand lasting.
AFC Wimbledon are lover-owned and any deal would need be voted by by the supporters’ rely on. Existing rugby league tenants London Broncos would also will need to be factored in.
Irish have had a superior year and if they defeat Saracens today will be on the brink of the play-offs for the very first time due to the fact 2010.
A spokesperson explained to the Mail Sport: ‘The club can validate no formal recognize has been served from Brentford or London Irish to vacate the Gtech Group Stadium.
‘London Irish looks ahead to continuing the shut connection among the two golf equipment, which has proven vastly successful due to the fact our go back to London from Examining.
‘Exploratory discussions with AFC Wimbledon have taken place with regards to probably web hosting a Premiership Rugby Cup fixture.’