WASPS BUZZ OUT OF PREMIERSHIP

WASPS’ relegation from the Gallagher Premiership has been confirmed by the Rugby Football Union.

The Coventry- based club – who have won four titles and two European Cups – went into administration on October 17, making the playing and coaching staff redundant in 167 job losses.

The RFU issued a statement saying Wasps had been suspended from the Premiership and Cup.

The governing body said: “The decision also gives certainty to PRL and Premiership rugby clubs to protect the integrity of Gallagher Premiership Rugby and allow clubs and their teams to plan for the rest of the season.

“Under RFU regulations, Wasps will be relegated from Gallagher Premiership Rugby, and therefore if investors can be secured, the club will restart in the

Championship in season 2023- 24.

“The club is able to appeal this decision if it can show there was no fault insolvency.”

Wasps have been everpresent in the Premiership since the competition began 25 years ago, winning it in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008.

But Wasps were hit by a winding- up order from HM Revenue and Customs for £ 2million in unpaid tax, and were also required to repay a £ 35m bond which had helped finance the club’s relocation to Coventry during 2014.

The holding company for Wasps men’s and women’s rugby teams, plus Wasps Netball, also went into administration and the company ceased trading with immediate effect.

The club’s playing squad included the likes of England stars Joe Launchbury, Jack Willis, Dan Robson and Brad Shields.

Administrators FRP said that a small number of employees have been retained to support with the “orderly wind down of the company” and the operation of the CBS Arena, which continues as normal.

Wasps’ demise came less than three weeks after fellow Premiership club Worcester went into administration.

The loss of the two sides leaves 11 teams in the Premiership and also serious questions for English rugby to answer over the future of the club game.