Wasps now have financial muscle to match their play
WASPS are one of the biggest rugby brands in Europe, having increased turnover to more than £21million following their switch from High Wycombe to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry last December, writes Chris Jones.
Accounts up to June 2015 show turnover rising from £6.5m in 2014 to £21.4m, a period that included around six months as tenants at Adams Park, their previous home, which was part of the group’s operating loss of £2.4m.
Debt stood at £30.7m, with net debt at £27.2m, up from £11.4m. The debt is made up of the £30.7m owed to Wasps Finance PLC, a bonds scheme which raised £35m for the club.
Wasps chief executive David Armstrong said: “This has been the busiest year in the club’s history and the successes we have had have exceeded our own expectations.”
Meanwhile, Conor O’Shea has revealed he will have a major say in who comes in to replace him as Harlequins’ director of rugby. O’Shea, “It’s exciting to be a part of such a riva rivalry. Hopefully, we can push each othe other to be better and stronger.
“H “He’s a great character and a lovely guy and it was great seeing him do so we well last year. It will be good to be c competitive with each other as I know he’s been training hard in J Jamaica with Usain Bolt.”
Gemili already has one up on H Hughes as one of only three teenager ers to have run sub-20, a group that inc includes none other than Bolt. Bu But it is a rivalry that looks certain to w wait until the anniversary of his ham hamstring injury at the British Champion pionships at the end of June.
Ge Gemili travelled to the World Champion pionships in Beijing but after a late deci decision taken by performance director N Neil Black, he was left out of the 4x10 4x100m relay team.
“N “Neil said he didn’t want to risk it ahea ahead of 2016 and I respect him for takin taking that decision out of my hands,” says Gemili. “I moved on after that.”
It meant being immersed in the team in Beijing unable to compete but still feeding off being at a major cham championships and Gemili is adaman mant he is better both for that experienc ence and the injury itself.
“I learned a lot about myself,” says Gem Gemili, who had a couple of indoor fora forays earlier this year. “It meant time to address issues and give my bod body a rest.”
He believes it will aid his stab at a seco second Olympics and that prospect of a medal either individually or with within the team relay. Will Jamaica and America now fear their British riva rivals? “I don’t know,” he adds. “Th “They’re still way ahead: they’ve got guy guys like Bolt, [Tyson] Gay, [ Justin] Gatl Gatlin and [Trayvon] Brommell consiste sistently running 9.8sec and 9.7sec.
“A “At the moment, we’re not running that quick but I like to think that the BrittWBri
Brits are coming.” who is taking over as Italy’s new head coach, said: “I am involved but the ultimate decision is not going to come down to me.”
Wayne Smith was a potential replacement but has decided to continue his coaching role with the All Blacks, while the Crusaders’ Todd Blackadder is also in the frame.
But O’Shea played down Lyn Jones getting the job, saying the Newport Gwent Dragons director of rugby was only visiting friends when seen at a Quins training session last week.