James O'Riley

6ft 4in rugby player for Bedfont RFC, proud dad and all round nice guy

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

https://t.co/CMi5PnbIgI well it's about that time of year again where I become a charity mugger. As per usual I have joined the @londonirish Movember team help me reach my goal if you can

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@MattMerritt Nowt much

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Oh hopefully

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@BryanMonument

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Holy cow what a day this is

[Alex Lowe 📰 @AlexMLowe]

London Irish have moved a significant step towards a return to professional rugby after the club was bought out of administration by a consortium led by Eddie Jordan, the Formula 1 entrepreneur

https://t.co/GN2KMkEbRg

[Alex Lowe 📰 @AlexMLowe]

London Irish have moved a significant step towards a return to professional rugby after the club was bought out of administration by a consortium led by Eddie Jordan, the Formula 1 entrepreneur

https://t.co/GN2KMkEbRg

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@corky667 @DanielLoitz Hear hear

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Well stay strong exile nation anyone got a piggy bank we can raid

[Daniel Thomas Loitz @Daniel_T_Loitz]

Statement from Hokulani Limited Regarding Withdrawal from the Acquisition of London Irish (IP and Brand) and Hazelwood Training Ground

Hokulani Limited formally announces its decision to withdraw from the acquisition process of London Irish (IP and Brand) and the Hazelwood training ground, despite our longstanding interest and confirmed status as the "preferred bidder" presented to the creditors, supported by two certified proofs of funds. This decision has not been taken lightly, given our unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of London Irish and its vital role in the rugby community since we first engaged in this process in June 2023.

From the outset, Hokulani Limited has approached this opportunity with a clear and robust vision, underpinned by a comprehensive financial package exceeding £20 million, fully certified and available at all times. Our offer was not only the sole credible bid on the table for an extended period but also one that sought to safeguard the future of rugby at Hazelwood and support the broader London Irish community. It is with deep disappointment that we reflect on the events of the past six months, which have led us to this juncture.

Key Concerns and Developments
In late 2024, the administration process took an unexpected turn with the introduction of two additional last minute bidders—a Northern Ireland-based group and an American consortium. This development was highly perplexing, particularly given our established position and the advanced stage of negotiations. The administrators' statement, "We send all the paperwork to every party, and whoever signs first gets it," was both surprising and frustrating. Such an approach undermined the integrity of the process and disregarded the significant efforts and resources we had invested.

Furthermore, the exclusivity phase of the negotiations proved equally challenging. The parameters of the deal were subject to frequent and unexplained changes, creating an environment of uncertainty and instability. These inconsistencies made it increasingly difficult for Hokulani Limited to proceed with confidence, despite our steadfast commitment to the acquisition.

Impact on the Rugby Community
It is disheartening to consider the potential consequences of this process for the rugby community, particularly at Hazelwood. Should the administrators and other stakeholders choose a path that jeopardizes the future of rugby at this historic site, that decision will rest with them. Hokulani Limited's vision has always been clear: to preserve and enhance the legacy of London Irish, ensuring that Hazelwood remains a thriving hub for the sport and its supporters. Our financial package was designed to deliver on this vision, backed by the necessary resources and a deep respect for the club's heritage.

Personal Reflections
On a personal note, Directors Daniel Thomas Loitz and Ronny de Bot wish to express their profound disappointment with the manner in which this process has unfolded over the past six months. The administration, now extending beyond 18 months, has been technically appointed by a secured creditor, Powerday PLC. While we respect the complexities of such proceedings, the lack of transparency and consistency has been deeply frustrating. It is painful to witness the potential erosion of a club with such a rich history and passionate supporter base.

Acknowledgments
We extend our sincere gratitude to Level Law, Giles Lester, and Kieran McCarthy for their unwavering support throughout this process. Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their partnership. Most importantly, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the London Irish supporters. Your passion, dedication, and unwavering loyalty are the soul of this club. Without you, London Irish would lose its heart. We hope and pray that, should another party succeed in acquiring the club, they will honor its legacy and prioritize the interests of the community.

Conclusion
Hokulani Limited entered this process with a clear vision, backed by significant financial resources and a genuine commitment to the future of London Irish. However, the challenges and irregularities we have encountered have made it untenable for us to continue. We refuse to engage in a process that feels increasingly like a game, and we step away with heavy hearts but firm resolve.

To the London Irish community, we wish you strength and resilience in the days ahead. We hope that the club's future will be shaped by a party with the right vision and dedication to honor its storied past and build a sustainable future. Hokulani Limited remains committed to its broader mission and will continue to explore opportunities that align with our values and principles.

Regards,
Daniel Thomas Loitz and Ronny de Bot
Directors, Hokulani Limited

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@Jamcof1986 Memories and YouTube now shirts I still own flags even if the giant one was ruined by red wine in jersey is fucking piss poor and six of one half a dozen of the other

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Now I am deeply disappointed again I can not believe this was destroyed by on group need to have the whole facts but will never get them

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@DanielLoitz Be great if I could send you a DM however that seems to be disabled from your profile

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@biriani @DanielLoitz Erodes trust the trust is eroded now I want answers I want transparency I want a straight f***ING answer what the hell is going on end of. The last few days of you exclusivity period is upon us either get that hand in you pocket or do one

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@DanielLoitz I suggest you be honest and blunt with all of us that are waiting on you. If you ain't going to buy us out then let the pro club go stop us holding on it's not fair

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Alright as a veteran as a decent human as a voter so one explain to me why we are taking funds away from pensioners like my dad when the unite union made a counter argument that makes more sense @Keir_Starmer you need to look at the bigger picture

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Two more youthful shots of @robhendo13 in the oldest London Irish programme I have from being a 10 year old ball boy

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Going to start a little thread now post you oldest @londonirish programme as you can see mines 93 to 94 season

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@CharlieFelix Do it from before Irish Irish had to fold

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

The latest shirt after I gave two away maybe coming round ground for signatures keep your eyes peeled @MattRogerson_8 @omdhoskins @Matty13williams @mattcornish3 plus others

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

So tomorrow I go to @GeeseRugby first game at Hazelwood. Seeing old friends making new ones and supporting my club of 36 years louder and louder. I am a true supporter

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

The song of London Irish https://t.co/ZjNTsQIyre

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

@DanielLoitz @biblecodesunday Just like me

[James O'Riley @jr_oriley]

Sorry but there is only one band that should be playing at the takeover @DanielLoitz and that is the @biblecodesunday the band of London Irish