F1 icon Eddie Jordan planning to buy new team and make them 'Man City of their sport'

Formula One icon Eddie Jordan has reportedly set his sights on conquering the world of rugby.

Jordan enjoyed success on the track and has continued to do so after deciding to retire thanks to his investments, and the 76-year-old is now eyeing another business venture as he looks to bolster his business portfolio further.

According to , the entrepreneur is part of a consortium who are interested in buying London Irish, a club that were in administration in June 2023 due to debts worth over £30million. Jordan is hopeful of acquiring several teams in the same way that City Group has a network of football teams.

The company owns Manchester City, Girona and MLS outfit New York City, among other outfits, and Jordan has taken inspiration from how the owners are operating across different continents.

The consortium, formed with ex-South Africa star Bobby Skinstad and former New Zealand ace Andrew Mehrtens, are already working on a deal to purchase French ProD2 club AS Beziers Herault in what could kickstart a spending spree from the group.

The consortium is backed by private equity group Strangford Capital, who Jordan acts as an advisor and investor for. Riverdance creator Michael Flatley may also be involved.

Jordan and co are not the only group who have registered an interest in purchasing London Irish, though Strangford Capital are in 'live discussions with ReSolve - the club's administrator - about the finances involved in a takeover.

Investment firm Hokulani Ltd are also locked in talks as well and they have compiled an offer worth in excess of £20m in the hope of striking a deal. The package would see £2.7m paid to rugby creditors as part of the process.

There are reportedly three parties who have shown an interest in purchasing London Irish at this stage, which could prompt Jordan's consortium to accelerate their negotiations given that acquiring the outfit would be a major boost to their aspirations of forming a City Group-esque network.

It is claimed that Strangford are weighing up further purchases in South Africa and Australia as part of their collection of teams. Teams in Europe are also being assessed, though the group would need to hold talks with the Premiership and EPCR to discuss whether it is possible to own two teams that are active in European competitions.