The makers of Guinness have confirmed they are to meet officials from London Irish rugby club to discuss their concerns over the recent signing of Paddy Jackson, the Irish player acquitted of rape last year. Diageo, the drinks company, said it had “serious concerns” regarding the development but did not make any reference to its lucrative sponsorship deal with the club. “We are meeting the club this week to discuss our serious concerns regarding their decision, which is not consistent with our values,” Diageo said in a statement released on Monday. Guinness has been associated with London Irish since 1992, making it the club’s “longest standing sponsor to date”, according to the club’s website. “They are truly a part of the London Irish family.”The Diageo statement follows a move by former sponsor Cash Converters, which recently discontinued its relationship with the club.

Source: The Irish Times June 10, 2019 10:44 UTC