London Irish Rugby Football Club have been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership after a takeover failed to materialise.
The Exiles spent 20 years playing in Reading at the-then Madejski Stadium, where they experienced the highs and lows of professional sport.
Thousands turned out as the side reached the Powergen Cup final in 2002, as well as the Premiership Final in 2009.
However, the club also suffered two relegations to the Championship toward the end of their time in Berkshire.
Moving to Brentford's new GTech Community Stadium in 2020, Les Kiss' side finished the 2022/23 campaign on the brink of the play-offs, their highest league finish for over a decade.
Club Statement
— London Irish (@londonirish) June 6, 2023
Failing to pay staff and players last month, the club were given until Tuesday to complete a takeover or risk being suspended.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said the takeover had not materialised and as of 7pm were suspended.
They join Wasps and Worcester Warriors in being expelled from the league this season alone.
Topsy Ojo, a modern-day legend who has played for Irish more than anyone else, took to social media to showcase his emotions.
"Gutted. Absolutely gutted. Didn’t have the words last night so just spent a while reading everyone else’s messages about their fond memories. Angry, but just so sad that such a special club is gone. 125 yrs, should’ve been a year of celebration. And it didn’t have to end this way."
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