It was not part of London Irish’s strategy that their move back to the capital and Premiership Rugby’s £230 million investment deal with CVC Capital Partners would be announced within 36 hours of each other. The deals were unrelated — but together they represent a change in fortune for a club who have been on their uppers. “It is about time the Irish had a bit of luck,” Brian Facer, the club’s chief executive, said. “This is a game- changer for us.”

The initial CVC cash windfall of up to £18 million — due to each of the 13 clubs who are shareholders in Premiership Rugby — will drop into their account before the end of this season, while London Irish state that their move