RFU terminates London Welsh from professional rugby

Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed that London Welsh will be stripped of professional rugby status and will have to forfeit their place in the ongoing Championship with immediate effect.

The decision comes after the club failed to convince the board on their financial situation.

Earlier in December, London Welsh chairman Gareth Hawkins announced that the club will enter into voluntary liquidation following which they were granted a temporary license until 21st January to give the creditors more time to decide on the course of action and finding an alternative.

However, with no clarity on the business plan, RFU felt there wasn't anything convincing on London Welsh side to extend the license. The news was confirmed by a statement released by the board.

"Following the appointment of liquidators in December 2016, a temporary licence was granted by the RFU to London Welsh, via a "Phoenix Entity", to enable participation in The Greene King IPA Championship.

"The licence expired on January 21, 2017. The conditions required by the RFU regulations to enable London Welsh to continue to participate in the competition following the expiry of the temporary licence have not been met - despite the RFU granting two extensions to deadlines - and, with regret, London Welsh will no longer be granted permission to play in The Greene King IPA Championship for the remainder of this season and beyond."

RFU chairman Andy Cosslett expressed disappointment on the decision but insisted that the board was left with no other option.

"It is deeply regrettable that we should arrive at this point, but with London Welsh in liquidation and unable to satisfy conditions to compete in The Greene King IPA Championship as a professional club, participation in the competition became untenable," said Cosslett.

"We know this will be an extremely disappointing day for everyone connected with London Welsh, including players, staff and supporters, and the sadness at the loss of this club from the professional ranks will be shared throughout the game."