Hayes Takes The Reins At London Wasps

London Wasps has a new owner after Steve Hayes, the managing director of Wycombe Wanderers football club, assumed control of the Guinness Premiership club from previous chairman Chris Wright.

Hayes’ personal involvement with Wasps began in August 2007 when he purchased an 11.6% stake in the club, while the link between the rugby club and Wycombe has grown since the Guinness Premiership outfit moved to Adams Park six years ago.

As part of a new set-up for the club, Hayes has found roles for former player Mark Rigby, advisor Mike Brooks, and board members John O’Connell, Ivor Montlake and Tony Copsey. Former skipper Lawrence Dallaglio will also sit on the board while the outgoing Wright will take on a role as life president.

The Adams Park stadium has a maximum capacity of 10,000, of which the rugby club averages no more than 8,700, with 5,000 of those season ticket holders.

Attempts to rebuild the ground have been hampered by access difficulties which restrict the level of redevelopment possible and Hayes, the co-founder of the loans.co.uk business, has already prioritised the development of a new venue for both clubs.

He said: ‘Having forged an excellent partnership with Wycombe District Council, we continue to make positive steps towards our goal of developing a new and improved stadium facility.

‘For now and the foreseeable future, we are committed to our current home but positive steps have been made to make our plans of development a realisation.’

Wasps won four Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups under the stewardship of Wright.