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Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has called on the RFU to block efforts from Wasps to play at Sixways Stadium. Worcester were last year placed into administration for unpaid debts and relegated from the Gallagher Premiership.
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Wasps are looking for a new home after leaving Coventry following their own administration last October and have applied to use Sixways for home matches in the Championship from the 2023/24 campaign. Worcester’s application to play in the Championship next season was rejected by the RFU over a dispute with buyers Atlas.
Warriors’ women’s team and Worcester Raiders football club currently play their home matches at Sixways, and the WWST feels any such move by Wasps would have a negative impact on the current teams in the area, as well as any future rebirth of its own men’s side.
“We believe that if Wasps become tenants at the (Sixways) stadium it would significantly impact in a negative manner the prospect of a phoenix Worcester team,” read a statement. “Although most Warriors fans would choose not to support Wasps RFC, it is inevitable, over the proposed tenancy, that they would attract a local following.
“This would be to the detriment of pre-existing local rugby clubs, including any potential Warriors team. Wasps have no history in our local area; we believe they are intent on effectively poaching a ‘ready-made’ fan base.
“There are other facilities closer to their previous ground(s); we do not believe they should be allowed to effectively set up a franchise in Worcestershire. If Wasps also become tenants, it would prevent a Worcester Warriors men’s team from playing at their own home ground due to fixture congestion.
“The supporters and the wider Worcester community have no desire for a cuckoo club to install itself at the Sixways Stadium or training facilities. It would be unforgivable if a club without any stadium or facilities, which has left behind vast debts and misery in Coventry, was given preferential treatment over our long-established club.”
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