London Welsh cease to exist as professional club

Welsh became one of the amateur domestic game's glamour clubs in the 1960s and 70s.

London Welsh have been removed from English rugby's professional ranks and will immediately forfeit their place in the Championship.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has declared Welsh's position in the second-tier Championship "untenable" after the club failed to convince England's governing body of a sound future financial footing.

The storied London club fell into liquidation in December, before being granted a temporary licence that expired on January 21.

A new board was challenged to provide evidence of funds to pay creditors and clarity on a new business plan, but RFU bosses were left unconvinced.

London Welsh won a playoff to return to the Premiership in 2014. Credit: PA

Welsh became one of the amateur domestic game's glamour clubs in the 1960s and 70s, boasting Wales stars like John Dawes, JPR Williams, Gerald Davies and John Taylor.

But the Old Deer Park outfit have struggled to move with the times and falling into liquidation in December has now proved fatal to their professional status.