London Irish have applied to enter the Rugby Championship next season after two years in administration, their preferred bidder, Hokulani Ltd, have confirmed.

The much-loved rugby club spent 20 years as tenants at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, enjoying success in the Premiership and on the European stage.

Generations of Berkshire residents spent their Sunday afternoons cheering on the Exiles.

However, the club were hit with financial problems and moved to Brentford's GTech Community Stadium in 2021 but went into administration in 2023.

Excluded from all professional rugby in 2023/24, German businessman Daniel Thomas Loitz has confirmed that his group have been named 'preferred bidder' and have applied to re-enter the second tier from next season as the division is set to expand.

"Today I have some exciting news to share with you," the entrepreneur told his followers on X. "We have officially submitted a letter of interest to the RFU to join London Irish in the tier two Championship 2025/26. This is a major step in our journey to restoring the club to the top level after 12 months of painful suspension.

"I’m proud also to say Houkolani Limited has been named the preferred bidder for the London Irish brand, assets and intellectual property by the administrator, the Resolve Group. We offer strong financial backing, and we are thrilled to also have the support of former staff and players, including our ex-rugby chairman Kieran McCarthy.

"Your passion, as supporters, is what drives the revival. Together we are eager to bring back London Irish to their rightful place in professional rugby. Thank you for your continued support and let’s embark together on this journey. London Irish- coming back stronger."

All teams looking to apply, which include fellow fallen giants Wasps and Worcester, must prove they are financially viable.

Mr Loitz is known to Reading Football Club supporters too as he regularly speaks of a bid to purchase the Royals from the controversial current owner, Dai Yongge.