RFU statement on London Welsh Friday July 10, 2009 Issued by Peter Thomas The Rugby Football Union Taskforce on London Welsh presented its findings and proposals to the RFU Management Board on Wednesday, July 8 and, based on those, a decision has been reached on next steps.

The RFU has given the Administrators of London Welsh, Tenon Recovery, until 5pm on Friday, July 17 to complete the acquisition of the club by one of the interested consortia with the following conditions:

* Any new investor must prove it has the funds to support the club for at least 2 years

* Potential new investors must provide all information required by the RFU to satisfy them before they can become involved with London Welsh

* Any creditors of London Welsh, excepting shareholders and directors, must be paid

* The amateur and community components of London Welsh must continue to be supported In addition, as a result of the club going into administration and because contrary to RFU Regulation 3.6, London Welsh did not inform the RFU of their intended administration when they became aware it was likely to happen. The club, if it competes in the Championship next season, will be immediately deducted 5 Championship points. The maximum penalty is 15 points but the RFU has reduced this on the basis that all creditors (except for shareholders and directors) will be paid.

If the acquisition is not completed by the deadline then Esher RFC will be offered the opportunity to enter the Championship following their relegation from National League One in the season just ended.

The RFU will continue to work closely with the administrators of London Welsh to monitor progress towards that deadline and will confirm the outcome in the week commencing July 20.