{
  "id": 16173373,
  "title": "London Irish target pro return next year after takeover by Essex entrepreneur",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/london-irish-target-pro-return-next-year-after-takeover-by-essex",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-23T10:19:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/london-irish-target-pro-return-next-year-after-takeover-by-essex-entrepreneur/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London Irish are set to return to professional rugby next year following a takeover by Essex entrepreneur Steve Daniels. Daniels' company, Gamechanger Investments, has acquired the club's name, brand, and intellectual property from Kyle Jordan and Daniel McKeown. With ambitions to compete in the United Rugby Championship, Daniels now plans to aim for the second-tier English Championship, with the goal of eventually returning to the Premiership. Former chair Jamie Balls takes on the role of chief executive, tasked with establishing the necessary infrastructure for the club's revival. The women's team is also set to be revived and is expected to compete in the top flight. Ball's priority is to create a sustainable rugby organization that can stand on its own and deliver long-term stability and growth.",
  "summary": "London Irish are targeting a return to the English professional pyramid next season after being acquired by rugby-loving Essex energy entrepreneur Steve Daniels. Gamechanger Investments, led by Daniels, has bought the name, brand and associated intellectual property relating to the historic club, which went out of business in 2023, from Kyle Jordan, son of late [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "London Irish to return to professional rugby next year",
    "Steve Daniels' Gamechanger Investments acquires club",
    "Aim to compete in English Championship, then Premiership"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}