Eddie Jordan, the former owner of an F1 team, is reportedly interested in acquiring the London Irish rugby union club. This interest emerged shortly after he played a significant role in facilitating the high-profile transfer of Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing to Aston Martin for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Jordan’s potential entry into rugby indicates a new direction in his career, as he has primarily focused on motorsport since selling his team in 2005 and transitioning into television punditry.
Jordan has not been directly involved in Formula 1 since selling his team nearly two decades ago. Instead, he has established himself as a commentator for networks such as the BBC and Channel 4. Recently, however, he re-emerged as a significant figure in F1 by acting as Newey’s manager and successfully negotiating his departure from Red Bull. This negotiation, completed in May, allows Newey to join Aston Martin earlier than usual, avoiding the common gardening leave typically associated with F1 contracts.
With Newey officially set to leave Red Bull in March, he will assume the role of managing technical partner at Aston Martin, just in time for the new technical regulations that will take effect in 2026. His expertise is expected to be instrumental in enhancing Aston Martin’s competitiveness, giving them an edge as they adapt to the upcoming changes in the sport. Jordan’s involvement in this high-profile transfer demonstrates his continued influence within the world of racing.
In parallel with his interest in rugby, reports indicate that Jordan is part of a consortium aiming to purchase the French club AS Béziers Hérault. This group includes former international players Bobby Skinstad and Andrew Mehrtens and is backed by Strangford Capital, a private equity firm from Northern Ireland, where Jordan serves as an advisor and investor. This potential acquisition highlights Jordan’s desire to become deeply involved in rugby.
In addition to his focus on Béziers, Jordan is reportedly exploring the purchase of London Irish, which has been in administration since June 2023 and is currently suspended from the Premiership. His ambition seems to be building a network of rugby clubs, similar to the model created by the Abu Dhabi-owned City Football Group, which owns several football teams around the world. Jordan’s plans for rugby reflect a strategic move to diversify his investments while contributing to the revival of clubs facing challenges in the sport.
