London Welsh go into liquidation

Championship club London Welsh are set to go into liquidation due to an "unsustainable" financial situation.

In October, they were issued with a second winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs after they did not receive proposed investment.

"Having to break the news to 40 staff members was extremely difficult," chairman Gareth Hawkins said.

He added: "The debts accrued from trading in this way have left the Club with no alternative but to seek liquidation.

Three months ago, the club agreed a takeover with a United States-based investment group, but the deal never went through.

Hawkins added: “In the New Year, it is the hope and intention of the Board that London Welsh will be able to return to playing at Old Deer Park.

"However, it will first be necessary to change the Club’s business model to a semi-professional set-up and form a new company, and then raise £300,000 so that the Club can regain a position within the RFU Greene King IPA Championship.

“Richmond have proved that a club can compete in the Championship with a semi-pro model, and I firmly believe we can make this work in 2017.”