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Wasps statement as 3 ex-Prem clubs bid to enter Championship

By PA
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Wasps, London Irish and Worcester have now each applied for a place in next season’s expanded Championship ahead of Sunday’s deadline for expressions of interest.

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It raises the prospect of the trio of ‘phoenix clubs’ eventually returning to the Gallagher Premiership, which has reintroduced promotion and relegation, after entering administration in the 2022-23 campaign.

Wasps are looking to re-establish themselves in Kent or Greater London having left High Wycombe for Coventry in 2014.

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    Francois Hougaard on Wasps beating Tigers and Bakkies Botha memories | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 16

    “It has been a challenging two years for Wasps, during which time we have worked tirelessly to rebuild a great club,” said Wasps owner Christopher Holland in a statement released on Thursday.

    “From securing key assets to laying the groundwork for a sustainable future, our efforts have always been focused on returning Wasps to a league that shares our values and to be able to compete at the highest level.

    “Submitting our expression of interest for Tier 2 is a key milestone in our recovery.”

    London Irish remain in administration but their preferred bidder, Hokulani Ltd, confirmed on Wednesday that entry into the revamped Championship is being sought.

    “We have officially submitted an expression of interest to the Rugby Football Union to join London Irish in the Tier 2 league,” said Daniel Thomas Loitz, the director and principle director of Hokulani Ltd.

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    “This is a major step in our journey to restore the club to the top level after 12 months of painful suspension.”

    Worcester, who are also owned by Holland, confirmed on October 1 that they had begun the application process.

    All teams hoping to play in the 2024-25 Championship, which is being enlarged by two to a 14-side league, must prove their financial viability, including the funds to pay off rugby creditors, as well as meet minimum operating standards.

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    Comments

    1 Comment
    A
    Athenry 114 days ago

    Can't wait for London Irish to rise again - such a joyful, entertaining and thrilling team to follow. But PLEASE don't let the Wallies running the Premiership go for segregated seating! Clive Woodward, how can you be so daft in supporting this idea! The great definer of the civilzed sport of Rugby Union is the cheerful mixing of fans, pints in hand, in the stands applauding great play from both sides and enjoying some banter with a neighbour from another part of the country.

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    R
    RedWarrior 16 minutes ago
    Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

    The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

    I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

    We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

    Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

    Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

    But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

    Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

    Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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