LONDON Welsh head coach Lyn Jones says his club ultimately lacked the time and money needed to stay in the Aviva Premiership.

Jones said the Exiles should still look back fondly on their top-flight season in Oxford, which will end in relegation.

And he stressed they will be fully motivated to win their final match against Worcester at the Kassam Stadium on May 4.

“I think this year has been a real positive for the players and the club,” said Jones. “I have kept on telling the boys to enjoy every minute.

“It was going to be a tough year for us and it didn’t disappoint.

“The welcome we have had from every club has been fantastic this season. Having said that, it is a big league with big money.

“We haven’t had enough time and we simply haven’t had enough money to be competitive as we would like to be – that’s life.”

Exiles chairman Bleddyn Phillips has said the club want to stay in Oxford next season, with Iffley Road a possible alternative home venue for the club.

However, Oxford University RFC’s general manager, Tim Stevens, said that no formal approach had been made.

“If the Welsh approach us, we’ll happily start talks,” he said Jones added that his players will have “light” training weeks to prepare for Worcester.

“What’s important is that we turn up fresh of leg and fresh of mind,” he stressed.

“I am sure if we show a level of commitment and attitude for our final game at the Kassam we can get something out of Worcester.”