London Irish’s move to new Bees stadium confirmed

London Irish will share Brentford’s new stadium, it has been confirmed.

The deal between the two clubs has now been finalised and will see the rugby union club move back to the capital after two decades playing at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.

Construction of the Brentford Community Stadium is on course to be completed in 2020. The Bees and London Irish will play there from the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

Announcing a “long-term agreement” between the clubs, it was confirmed the Exiles will have a license to play at the Lionel Road venue, where the football club will have primacy of use.

“I’m delighted that we are now able to finally confirm that London Irish will play their matches at Brentford Community Stadium from the 2020/21 season,” said Brentford chairman Cliff Crown.

“We are building a high-quality stadium fully equipped and ready from day one for the rigours and demands of both Premier League football and Premiership rugby.

“Like us, London Irish has a long history in the area and prides itself on having strong roots in the local community. We look forward to continuing to work with them over the coming months to support their successful return to the capital.

“It was always planned that the stadium would host rugby and we have been working on ensuring we have a top-of-the range pitch so both sports can be played.”

London Irish owner Mick Crossan said: “It has been a long-held ambition to return to our roots in west London, and this stadium has everything we need – location, capacity and facilities – to re-establish ourselves as London’s authentic top-flight rugby club.”