article: Championship rugby awaits for one of the Premiership's founding members when the game turned professional in 1996, with an uncertain future ahead for players, coaches and staff. Worcester and Newcastle have bounced back from the second tier with immediate effect in recent seasons, while others such as Harlequins and Northampton have returned to win titles. But clubs such as Bristol and London Welsh have found life below the Premiership harder to adapt to than expected. What path will London Irish's future take? BBC Sport speaks to players, supporters, coaches and rugby writers to find the formula behind bouncing back from relegation. Media playback is not supported on this device As recently as 2009, Irish were contesting a Premiership final at Twickenham and reached the last four of the European Cup a year earlier. But the last three seasons have produced finishes in the bottom three, a change of ownership and changes in playing and coaching personnel. "Although former director of rugby Brian Smith didn't enjoy the same success at the club in his second spell as he did in his first, the Australian had extensive experience of the English game," said BBC 5 live rugby reporter Chris Jones. "He was able to comfortably avoid relegation before his abrupt departure at the start of 2015. "Tom Coventry arrived last summer as head coach with a justifiably big reputation considering his achievements at Waikato Chiefs. "But my understanding is that transferring coaching techniques from a Super Rugby side to a Premiership outfit wasn't a smooth process, especially given the fact Irish pretty quickly found themselves in a relegation battle. "Coventry and his coaching team needed time to adapt to the unique nature of English rugby. The other directors of rugby involved in the basement battle - Dean Richards and Dean Ryan - are steeped in experience on this front." Steve Jones, treasurer of the London Irish supporters' club, believes other clubs have shown Irish the way to cope with life in the Championship. "The key is that the core of the team is kept together and our investment in the academy remains to produce young talent," he said. "There are a lot of good players in the system that could really benefit from a year in the Championship playing regular rugby. The under-18 team that won the Academy League this season is testament to that. "But the Championship is a hard league and Irish will find it very tough. A mixture of seasoned pros and academy graduates will be needed." Aside from what happens on the pitch for Irish is the debate over where it happens. Their 16-year association with Reading's Madejski Stadium could be in its final throes despite a contract that allows them to ground-share in Berkshire until the 2025-26 season. Chief executive Bob Casey has guaranteed the Exiles will play their home games at the venue next season despite several years of dwindling attendances, but beyond is an uncertain scenario. There are rumours that Brentford's Griffin Park and their planned new stadium at nearby Lionel Road have become favourable alternatives for
summary: After just four Premiership wins all season, London Irish have been relegated from English rugby's top flight for the first time since 1994.