Championship place withdrawn after Wasps miss deadline

The Rugby Football Union has rescinded its offer of a place in the second tier of rugby to Wasps, after it failed to meet an RFU deadline.

The club had been approved in December to play in the Championship next year after administrators FRP agreed to an offer by a consortium from members of Wasps Legends.

Both Wasps and Worcester Warriors were relegated from the Premiership after entering administration, with both appeals rejected to overturn the decision. Warriors attempt to play in the Championship was denied.

In a statement, Wasps said it had embarked on a, “wide-ranging, and professional search for suitable funding…

“Whilst the investment interest continues, we regret to say that the current state of rugby finances, the lack of clarity on the league structure and concerns over promotion has caused the investor group to remain silent and fatigued”.

It also claims it asked the RFU on two occasions for an extension of time to secure funding, but both requests were refused.

It said it required the extension for, “the RFU to establish a clear vision and direction of travel so that our investor pool were able to see equitable funding for the Championship and a clear pathway to promotion”.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “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.”