LONDON Welsh are “extremely disappointed” by the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) decision to ban the former Oxford-based side from playing in the Greene King IPA Championship.

The RFU announced on Tuesday the club would be expelled from English rugby’s second tier and the professional game.

Andy Cosslett, chairman of the governing body, said the Exiles’ place in the league became “untenable” after they were unable to “satisfy conditions”.

Welsh, who played at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium between 2012-15, formally entered liquidation on December 23.

A new company, Rugby 1885 Limited, was given a temporary licence by the RFU until January 24 to meet certain demands, including proof there was cash immediately available to pay rugby creditors in full.

A statement from the club said: “London Welsh is extremely disappointed by the decision of the RFU to expel the club from the Greene King IPA Championship.

“The club has worked very closely with the RFU for a number of months to meet the criteria for a permanent licence, and the new company believes that it did satisfy all of the conditions required.

“The club will begin dealing with the ramifications of the announcement, before deciding whether to respond further. “