Future of London Irish in the balance

CONOR O’SHEA accepts that London Irish’s future as a professional rugby organisation could be decided tonight when they face fellow relegation candidates Bath at the Recreation Ground.

The log-jam at the bottom of the league is frightening for those involved and the London Irish managing director said: “One big side will go down and that will be the end of them.”

It is estimated that relegation could cost the club concerned up to £3 million in lost revenue, leading to a

drastic culling of the players and job cuts behind the scenes. That is why O’Shea was excited as Barry Everitt’s last-gasp penalty gave the Irish a 14-12 win at Saracens. It consigned Bath to bottom place after they were beaten 36-17 at London Wasps.

But the four points O’Shea’s men gained from their win gives them only a small breathing space. They are now third from bottom.

O’Shea said: “The players are playing for their jobs and the livelihood of the club. That one kick by Barry could save us. I am not saying that today will be do-or-die, but we will take whatever comes our way as we showed against Sarries.” Sarries coach Wayne Shelford said: “We have a Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final with Bath next weekend and that could be a real blessing.”