Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Video Spacer

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

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      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.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “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.

      Related

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

      New Zealand vs Australia: Behind the Scenes with the Black Ferns Sevens Team | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E06

      O2 Inside Line: This Rose | Episode 1

      Argentina v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Men's Final Match Highlights

      New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Perth 2025 | Women's Final Match Highlights

      The Dupont Ploy: How France went from underdogs to Olympic gods | The Report

      Former rugby player is truly an NFL superstar | Walk the Talk | Jordan Mailata

      Boks Office | Episode 33 | Dupont's Toulouse Too Good

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      1 Comment
      A
      Athenry 115 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.

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      LONG READ
      LONG READ Mick Cleary: 'It's about time England started shaping their own narrative and got the job done.' Mick Cleary: 'It's about time England started shaping their own narrative and got the job done.'
      Search