wasps And Worcester Learn Championship Fate
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed that Wasps will play in next season’s Championship, but Worcester Warriors will not.
The announcement comes after both clubs fell into administration in 2022 and have since had to prove to the RFU that they can meet the criteria required for a return the country’s top rugby union leagues.
Earlier in the month, Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited, the new owner of rugby union club Worcester Warriors, confirmed that they pulled out the application process to compete in the Championship next season after not agreeing to “RFU conditions and commercial restrictions“.
Owners Jim O’Toole and James Sandford also stated that they plan a rebrand which would see the club renamed Sixways Rugby. However, they have since said the club may reconsider those plans following a backlash from supporters.
The RFU has now officially confirmed the Warriors will not be joining the Championship next season.
Wasps will be allowed to play in the division next season despite currently not having a ground to play at. The club lost its former home ground, the CBS Arena in Coventry, when it fell into administration last year.
The RFU confirmed Wasps’ place after receiving the necessary financial assurances from owner HALO22 Limited led by Christopher Holland. Holland, a director with the previous Wasps regime, also owns the club’s Henley-in-Arden training ground and was.
It has been rumoured that Wasps are considering Damson Park, the home of National League football side Solihull Moors, and Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium as potential new homes ahead of the team’s return.
A Wasps spokesperson said, “We remain in positive dialogue with the RFU and thank them for their continued support as we work to secure our future.
“Recent events have highlighted, more than ever, the importance of long-term sustainable investment.
“Our focus remains on stabilising the club financially and Wasps playing in the Championship next season.”
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