London Welsh Confirm ‘substantial funds’ Committed by Investors & are Likely to Stay in Oxford
May 30, 2013
Relegated Aviva Premiership side London Welsh have confirmed that they are in a good position to compete in next season’s Championship, after ‘substantial funds’ had been committed by investors.
London Welsh had a tough season back in the Premiership and their relegation was in part due to points being docked for fielding an illegible player, a decision the then CEO, Tony Copsey told iSportconnect was ‘extremely disappointing’ and a ‘massive blow’ to the club.
However, following the Championship Final between Newcastle Falcons and Bedford Blues, where the Falcons were promoted to the Premiership, Chairman Bleddyn Phillips has moved to confirm the club were in a position to compete for promotion next year.
Phillips said: “I am pleased to say that we have in place the financial resources to ensure we can indeed compete effectively among the top Championship clubs next season.
“This is fundamental to our continued success and to ensure that the all the hard work and success we have achieved is not allowed to dissipate and be squandered over the coming season.
“There are several people who have already committed substantial funds for next season and we are confident that several more will likewise lend their support in the weeks ahead.”
Where to call home
Another issue for the side is finding a place to call home for next season, having spent last year away from their spiritual home at Old Deer Park in Richmond and instead at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium.
Phillips confirmed that the likely destination would be in the Oxford area where they have created a solid fanbase.
The chairman said that a ground would be found based on the ‘need to be commercially viable’ at the top of club rugby and that a home attendance in Oxford would be ‘demonstrably higher’ than in Richmond.
Phillips did not say that the Kassam would remain their home and insisted that all options were being considered and that discussions had been held with ‘several grounds and local clubs.’