The following email has been received by LoSRA from Chris Kane the President of London Irish Amateur RFC and we are pleased to reproduce it here:
"Following the recent press coverage and social media posts regarding the possible re-forming of the London Irish Professional Team, I am writing to provide you with an update on our project to secure a long term home for London Irish Amateur RFC at Hazelwood.
Our position
"London Irish Amateur RFC has a long lease over much of Hazelwood. The site is also subject to very detailed planning obligations, requiring it to be used for community rugby, community sports and other community activities. In further recognition of the site’s status, Spelthorne Council recently accepted our application to register Hazelwood as an Asset of Community Value.
Increased Community Usage of Hazelwood
"As we informed you some months ago we are partnering with the London GAA and Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust in our project to acquire Hazelwood for the community. We are now seeing both organisations increasing their usage of Hazelwood.
Extensive Support for our Plan
"We are confident our plan is deliverable and it has extensive support from our members, partners, and the community.
Engagement with other bidders
"We have always accepted it is possible another party may acquire Hazelwood and thus become our landlord. Since the administration we have engaged with a number of these parties. Our position remains we are happy to discuss with any bidders how Hazelwood could be shared.
"London Irish Amateur RFC will not be making any comment on the recent media reports.
We strongly believe Hazelwood must remain a community asset. We have a plan which achieves this."
Chris Kane
Club President
1 Nov 2024
