Wasps To Play In Rugby’s Tenth Tier
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has withdrawn its offer for Wasps to play in the Championship, English rugby union’s second tier.
The news means that the two-time European champions will play ‘at the bottom of the playing pyramid’ in English rugby.
Having fallen into administration in September, Wasps had its application to return to professional rugby in the 2023-24 Championship approved by the RFU in December. The offer made, however, was subject to a number of conditions being met.
In the latest development, the RFU has said the club has not met a deadline to confirm commitments made which included’ evidencing payment to rugby creditors and putting in place suitable governance structures including a majority independent board and a process for managing risk.’
An RFU statement also notes concerns surrounding ‘the lack of progress engaging coaching staff and players’.
Without a home ground, Wasps will now face a long route back to the top of English rugby union.
Before going into administration, the six-time English champions had been based in Coventry. Should the club still be considered to be in the Midlands, it would enter either Counties 4 Midlands West (North) or Counties 4 Midlands West (South) – both of which are in the 10th tier.
Wasps is yet to announce where it intends to play its home matches having previously advised the RFU of two possible tenancies – at Solihull Moors’ Damson Park or Sixways, home of Worcester Warriors. Wasps’ training base is located in Henley-in-Arden.
The RFU added in its statement that Wasps had been given ‘the best chance of continuing in the league structure’ and recognised ‘the effort the new owners have put in to try to make this happen’.
‘The RFU board decided that in order to give certainty to other clubs, the licence to continue to play is withdrawn.’
RFU Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney, commented, “This is not the outcome anyone in rugby wanted. All those involved with the club will be deeply disappointed.
“We have worked with the new owners for the past six months to try to ensure that a robust plan could be put in place for the club to play in the Championship while players and staff could receive monies owed to them.
“The RFU is working closely in partnership with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association to ensure players are supported.
“We are also working together at pace to ensure the game emerges from this challenging time on a strong and sound financial footing.”
The demise of Wasps and fellow former Premiership club Worcester Warriors highlights the financial troubles engulfing English rugby. London Irish is the latest club that is under threat.
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