Charles Russell Speechlys advises London Irish on stadium use deal with Brentford FC

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised longstanding client London Irish on their commercial agreement with Brentford Football Club, to use Brentford’s Community Stadium to play their home games, from 2020.

London Irish have played at the Madejski Stadium in Reading for nearly 20 years, but have been seeking a return to the capital where the club has strong roots in the local community.   The new 17,250-seater stadium, which is currently under construction, is due to be completed in the Spring of 2020 meaning London Irish can start the 2020-21 season in their new home. With London Irish on course for promotion back to the Premiership, the stadium is fully equipped as an ideal base to host top tier football and rugby.

Mark Bensted, a Director of London Irish said: “In this exciting move to the Brentford Community Stadium, we are confident that we will attract an increased supporter base to join us as we build for the future, reaching out to our previous west London catchment area, to Greater London and beyond. The team at Charles Russell Speechlys have been a great support to us, ensuring we were well advised throughout the complex negotiations."

Geoff Sparks, Corporate Partner at Charles Russell Speechly, commented: “We were delighted to advise London Irish through this transaction. We were able to combine our commercial expertise alongside our Sports sector knowledge to deliver legal and wider strategic support throughout the negotiation. We look forward to seeing the club thrive in its new home.”

The team at Charles Russell Speechlys comprised Geoff Sparks, Jonathan Steele, Claire Timmings and Helen Hutton.