Latest on Irish from Chris Foy just now

[Neils]

That's a big chunk of money Crossan has to find tomorrow.  Some reports suggest 500k - not expected by his plans.


And the RFU haven't still seen or approved anything.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

That's a big chunk of money Crossan has to find tomorrow.  Some reports suggest 500k - not expected by his plans.


And the RFU have still seen or approved anything.

Sucks to be any of the other employees, most of whom likely did not get paid last month either.

Some creditors have been waiting months for their bills to be settled.

[Brandnewtorugby]

So do all clubs have to disclose their finances now, I seem to remember a team decided not to make their books available.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

So do all clubs have to disclose their finances now, I seem to remember a team decided not to make their books available.

All other PRL clubs completed the process by the date. To show a forward (3 year I think) plan, and show finance firmly in place for the following season.

But, Irish were special, and allowed two extra months. And now another week, and ...

Makes a mockery of the process. Special rule for one club this year, all clubs next year.

[Brandnewtorugby]

So do all clubs have to disclose their finances now, I seem to remember a team decided not to make their books available.

All other PRL clubs completed the process by the date. To show a forward (3 year I think) plan, and show finance firmly in place for the following season.

But, Irish were special, and allowed two extra months. And now another week, and ...

Makes a mockery of the process. Special rule for one club this year, all clubs next year.

Ah, it must be a 'soft' requirement

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Extension of a week now in doubt. Crossan met the players last night and offered them just 50% of their wages. It was a very frosty and angry meeting by some accounts. Player goodwill has evaporated. Players have told Crossan it is either full pay, today, or they serve notice and walk. Many of them have offers, and want to be off and away.

When the RFU heard this, they backtracked on the offer of an extension, and the RFU meeting yesterday to decide what to recommend to the top dogs today at their meeting changed tack. It looks likely that unless players confirm they received full wages today, the RFU will go ahead with the suspension.

It appears the RFU have also not been given any financial details of the prospective buyers, or indeed details of who they are.

I suspect Crossan is now thinking, if he pays that 50%, it will have been 'wasted' and the RFU will go ahead and suspend Irish anyway. I also think he knows the game is up.

This BBC report is NOT totally accurate (in that it omits private, OTR, comments made by some players after the meeting with Crossan):

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/65751962

[Neils]

London Irish players 'were given pay ultimatum' https://mol.im/a/12142999 via https://dailym.ai/android

[NellyWellyWaspy]

London Irish players 'were given pay ultimatum' https://mol.im/a/12142999 via https://dailym.ai/android

That is tantamount to blackmail and is, at best, unethical. The players would be well advised not to accept that 'offer'.

[Neils]

London Irish players 'were given pay ultimatum' https://mol.im/a/12142999 via https://dailym.ai/android

That is tantamount to blackmail and is, at best, unethical. The players would be well advised not to accept that 'offer'.

I suppose it depends how wedded to the "brand" the players are.

[Chunky24]

London Irish players 'were given pay ultimatum' https://mol.im/a/12142999 via https://dailym.ai/android

That is tantamount to blackmail and is, at best, unethical. The players would be well advised not to accept that 'offer'.

I suppose it depends how wedded to the "brand" the players are.

Probably depends on whether 50% of something and a slither of hope in your current job / club is better then nothing and how much hope you have of getting a new job / club. Could be difficult to unite the range of players given how much hope of a new job / club each have.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

By accepting it, they may be contractually accepting a 50% pay cut. They would also lose their contractual right to walk away from the club, and time is pressing if they have other offers.

[Chunky24]

By accepting it, they may be contractually accepting a 50% pay cut. They would also lose their contractual right to walk away from the club, and time is pressing if they have other offers.

Indeed, but most likely the high profile high earners have other offers, potentially reduced in Uk or possibly better in France / Japan, it will be the squad players on the lower salaries left with nothing currently, tough to get a united voice.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

By accepting it, they may be contractually accepting a 50% pay cut. They would also lose their contractual right to walk away from the club, and time is pressing if they have other offers.

From what seems to be doing the rounds, they were all asked to sign a contract agreeing not to leave the club, with the 'promise' they would receive the remaining 50% next week, after (when and if) the American 'investors' actually buy the club. Given that the RFU have yet to receive formal proposals, proof of funds, expecting them to approve the new buyers in a matter of days is ludicrous and fanciful. Not happening is what I would guess. Just prolonging the pain.

[Neils]

Not a popular view but I think they should be pulled now. Let those players who can get an early contract here or abroad.

[Chunky24]

By accepting it, they may be contractually accepting a 50% pay cut. They would also lose their contractual right to walk away from the club, and time is pressing if they have other offers.

Indeed, but most likely the high profile high earners have other offers, potentially reduced in Uk or possibly better in France / Japan, it will be the squad players on the lower salaries left with nothing currently, tough to get a united voice.

Might be wrong about those squad players though!

https://twitter.com/RugbyTimes/status/1663851159944065025?t=XIwRFFDj-3rLrhvvXyN-Sw&s=19