Drinks company Diageo has pulled its sponsorship of the London Irish rugby team.

Guinness and London Irish had been partners for more than 30 years.

However Diageo, the parent company of Guinness, said it had "serious concerns" over the signing of Paddy Jackson.

The 27-year-old, who was acquitted of rape last year, signed for the newly-promoted Premiership club last month after one season with French side Perpignan in the Top 14.

In a statement on Thursday, Diageo said: "We have met with the club to express our concerns.

"Their recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship."

Diageo had said on Monday that they were meeting the club to discuss "serious concerns" regarding the decision.

That followed news that former sponsor Cash Converters discontinued its relationship with the club in recent weeks.

Cash Converters said in a social media post: "As a company, we are committed to the highest possible standards when it comes to our investments in any sponsorships and collaborations.

"As a result of a detailed and thorough review of our support for London Irish, we have decided to discontinue our association with the club."

However, London Irish had denied that Cash Converters' decision was specifically related to the signing of Jackson.