Wasps to play in Championship next season but no place for Worcester Warriors
Wasps will play in the Championship next season, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has confirmed.
The club had a deadline of Tuesday to meet the league’s requirements, after going into administration last year.
Wasps remain without a ground to play at following their departure from Coventry.
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.”
Meanwhile, the RFU stated Worcester Warriors will not compete in the Championship next season.
Atlas, the buyers of Worcester Warriors, informed the RFU last week that it would not be continuing with its application for a place in the Championship and this position has not changed.
Wasps and Worcester were placed into administration earlier in the season after being pursued for unpaid tax by HM Revenue and Customs, resulting in their removal from the Gallagher Premiership.
While Wasps produced a signed solvency agreement and proof of funds, the RFU noted that Worcester’s course of action meant creditors would go unpaid.
The governing body also has misgivings over Atlas’ “transparency about ownership and funding structures”.
“Our goal has consistently been to see Wasps and Worcester in the Championship and preserve the clubs for their fans and the wider communities they serve,” RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said.
“While we had hoped to see both clubs in the Championship next season, we are pleased that following months of work from all parties involved, Wasps will have a place. We know this will be very welcome news to all those connected with the club.
“We would like to thank all those involved with Wasps for the open and collaborative dialogue over recent months.
“We appreciate the disappointment felt by Worcester Warriors staff, players and fans following the Atlas decision will be very significant.
“For a club to continue following insolvency, it is imperative that it has a sustainable and funded business plan, that there is transparency about ownership and funding structures, and that rugby creditors are paid.
“Payment of rugby creditors is an integral part of our insolvency regulations and we cannot approve the takeover of a club without agreement that rugby creditor payments will be made.
“Given Atlas’ withdrawal from the process, we remain concerned that there are insufficient funds to pay rugby creditors.
“We will continue to work with Atlas over the coming weeks to understand their vision for rugby at Sixways.
“While the RFU is the regulator of rugby union, we have worked tirelessly to ensure we are making decisions that are best for the sport.”
