RUGBY: London Welsh urged to keep nerve after day of double disappointment

The Exiles were relegated from the Aviva Premiership after one season following their 31-14 defeat by Northampton Saints at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.

Hours earlier, Kelvin Bryon, their main shareholder, announced he was withdrawing his backing of the club. There is speculation that chief executive Tony Copsey may also quit.

London Welsh declined to comment, but indicated a statement could be forthcoming this week Bryon, who saved them from liquidation in 2009, says he has had enough of professional rugby in the United Kingdom and slammed the way his club has been treated.

“I’m pulling out, that’s absolutely definite. I’ve had enough of the RFU and PRL (Premier League),” he said. “I’ve had 20 years with London Welsh, one of the great rugby brands, but everything’s been done to get us back out of the division.”

Referring to the faulty registration of Tyson Keats, for which the club were fined £15,000 and docked five points, he said: “The bottom line is the RFU and PRL don’t want us there.”

He fears relegation could be followed by further decline, with doubts over fresh investment and whether they will be able to continue their tenancy at the Kassam Stadium.

However, Jones, when asked if the Exiles would be playing in Oxford next season said: “Definitely, 100 per cent.

“The club needs to hold its nerve. There are plans afoot and with plans and a vision we have a good chance.

“It’s not about being knocked down it’s about how we get up. For me it’s about bouncing back next year. “I want to be a winner and I hope my board of directors do as well.

“There’s a steely focus from the people in the club.

“Being in the Premiership has been a fantastic positive experience.

“I hope that the directors will understand what it’s all about and come back with a better plan.”

“It’s a decision for the directors to take, but I’d like to think the future of the club is here in Rydychen (Welsh for Oxford).”