London Irish sponsor and Guinness owner Diageo have pulled out of their deal with the English club after growing concerns with the signing of Paddy Jackson.
The drinks giant had expressed 'serious concerns' with the signing of the former Ireland international, who was acquitted of rape last year.
And in a statement released to the Irish Mirror today, they said: “We have met with the club to express our concerns. Their recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship.”
The English Premiership club announced the signing of the 27-year-old fly-half on May 7th, and claim they offered to meet with Diageo in Dublin to discuss the controversial signing.
A statement from the club, given to the Irish Mirror, read: "London Irish’s management is understandably disappointed that Diageo has chosen not to renew its sponsorship agreement with the club, and particularly the manner in which the company has chosen to do so.
"The club has always respected the right for everyone to have an opinion, and their right to express that opinion.
"London Irish has been open and honest with all of its sponsors, including offering to meet Diageo’s senior management in Dublin in May, 2019. This offer was not taken up.
"London Irish will be moving on without the support of Diageo, who have chosen to stand down after a nearly 30 year association with the club.
"It is regretful that this relationship has ended in the manner that it has.
"The club will make no further statement at this time."
Speaking of the signing in May, London Irish CEO Brian Facer said: "We’ll judge the man when he’s here and the way he conducts himself but I’m fairly sure we’re comfortable with who he’ll be."
Jackson will join former Ireland head coach Declan Kidney, who now is the rugby club's Director of Rugby. Kidney originally handed Jackson his first of 25 Ireland caps in 2013.
Speaking last month, Kidney said: "Players of the calibre of Paddy Jackson do not become available very often and both myself and Les are looking forward to working with him in the future."
Jackson and Ulster teammate Stuart Olding were found not guilty of rape at a Belfast trial in 2018.
The IRFU cancelled both players' contracts, leading to the fly-half playing in France with Perpignan this season while olding spent this season with CA Brive.
The concerns also come shortly after another sponsor parted ways with the club.
Shopping website Cash Converters ended its partnership with London Irish recently.
In a tweet in reply to the signing, Cash Converters said: "As a company, we are committed to the highest possible standards when it comes to our investments in any sponsorships and collaborations.
"As a result of a detailed and thorough review of our support for London Irish, we have decided to discontinue our association with the club.”
London Irish refuted their signing of Jackson was the reason behind the Cash Converters opt out.
In a statement they said: “The club would like to clarify that the decision to part ways at the end of 2018/19 season was made before the announcement of player signings in May 2019, and for reasons unrelated to player signings.”
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