[2] London Irish faced financial difficulties during the 2022–23 season and was issued a winding-up order by HMRC over an unpaid tax demand.

To avoid suspension from the Premiership, the RFU set a deadline for the club to provide financial assurances confirming its ability to continue paying players and staff.

The club failed to meet this deadline and was subsequently excluded from competing in the 2023–24 season—not only in the Premiership but across all professional tiers of rugby union in England.

[3] After a number of moribund years, the club exited administration on 12 February 2025 when it was purchased by a consortium led by Irish former Formula One owner, Eddie Jordan.

The first game took place on 1 October 1898 against the former Hammersmith club at Herne Hill Athletic Ground, with London Irish winning 8–3.

Following the formation of the Irish Free State in 1923, some of those who fought in Europe and/or Ireland returned to the club, which saw an overhaul of the organisation over the remainder of the decade, reviving the team and its influence for a new beginning.

The club's then playing ground located in Sunbury-on-Thames was acquired by Ministry for Agriculture to be used as a site to grow food for the war-torn capital.

Player numbers weren't what they used to be as former members elected not to move back to London and this made it difficult to front a starting XV.

Things picked up with the arrival of a new captain, Des O'Brien, and a number of other key players and in 1948 London Irish celebrated their 50th anniversary with the most successful season yet for the club.

London Irish enjoyed success in Europe in 2005–06 when they reached the final of the Challenge Cup, only to be defeated by Gloucester 36–34 at Twickenham.

In 2013, Irish were taken over by a consortium led by Mick Crossan, executive chairman of Powerday, a London-based recycling and waste management firm.

[8] On 2 June 2023, London Irish received winding up petitions from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over an unpaid tax bill believed to be up to £1 million, which saw them forced out of business.

[11][12] In February 2025, Strangford Ellis Ltd, led by Eddie Jordan, completed the takeover of London Irish, defeating German businessman Daniel Loitz in the bid.

[13] London Irish managed their own academy, with players such as Tom Homer, Nick Kennedy, Topsy Ojo, Anthony Watson, brothers Delon and Guy Armitage, Alex Corbisiero and Jonathan Joseph having gone on to play for the senior side and be internationally capped.

The club also hosts London Irish Amateur RFC (a separate legal entity) for non-professionals to allow them to improve in rugby.

Their place was taken by Brive[22][23] The following are players who have represented their countries at the Rugby World Cup whilst being registered with London Irish: