LONDON Irish RFC are to hold top-level discussions with main sponsors Guinness which could decide whether recent signing Paddy Jackson stays with the club.

The former Ulster and Ireland fly-half was found not guilty of rape at a trial in Belfast last year, but had his contract revoked by the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Diageo, which owns Guinness, said: "We are meeting the club to discuss our serious concerns regarding their decision, which is not consistent with our values."

London Irish confirmed they are in "ongoing dialogue" with the company.

The Gallagher Premiership club have already parted ways with another sponsor, Cash Converters, but say the decision was made before 27-year-old Jackson joined the club.

In a statement, London Irish said: "London Irish's management were aware that Diageo would be releasing a statement regarding the meeting scheduled for this week.

"There has been ongoing dialogue with all of our sponsors regarding the Paddy Jackson signing, as part of our continued commitment to work closely with all of our partners."

Lisburn-born Jackson, who has been playing for Perpignan in the Top14, is looking forward to linking up again with his former Ulster coach Les Kiss and Ireland coach Declan Kidney.

He was given his Ireland debut by Kidney in 2013 and went on to win 25 international caps before his high-profile court case early in 2018.

Jackson and his then Ulster and Ireland team-mate Stuart Olding were found not guilty of rape.

Guinness have backed London Irish since 1992 and are the club's longest standing sponsor.