THE LONDON Irish hierarchy are confident they can bounce straight back to the Aviva Premiership after relegation was confirmed with a 32-25 home defeat by Harlequins.

Sunday's agonising loss at Madejski Stadium sent Exiles down the Championship with one match still remaining after 21 years in the top flight.

But the club's bosses claim winning promotion back to the Premiership is their number one priority next season.

London Irish chief executive, Bob Casey, confessed: “This is a sad day in the history of this great club.

“Relegation was not part of our plans, but we have to be honest, as hard as the players and management have worked, we haven’t been good enough this season.

“We will learn our lessons and respect the Championship, but keep our sights firmly set on returning to the Premiership.”

He added: “The foundations at London Irish are in place.

“We have excellent facilities, a thriving Academy programme and outstanding support staff.

“Unfortunately, the progress of our rugby programme has suffered a setback this season in what has been the strongest Premiership in a long time.”

Irish are set to remain at Madejski Stadium next season, even though attendances for their Championship fixtures will be much lower.

Nevertheless, the majority of Exiles fans say they will continue to back the club through thick and thin.

Casey added: “I would like to thank our supporters.

“We have needed them more than ever before this season and they turned up loyally and vocally to cheer the team on.

“We know we have disappointed you, rest assured we will do our utmost to ensure we return to the top tier of English rugby at the first time of asking.”

Exiles president Mick Crossan continued: “We would like to reassure supporters that we remain committed to this club and to realising its potential.

“Relegation is a set back and we will deal with it accordingly.

“Our plans for London Irish remain the same and I would like to thank our supporters for their continued support during what has been a tough time for all involved with our club.”

Irish end their season this Saturday with a trip to Wasps (3.30pm ko).