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Wasps to relocate to Sixways - report
By Ian Cameron
Wasps are set to relocate to Sixways Stadium from next season on, a move that was announced today at a public meeting between Atlas and Worcester rugby fans.
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Earlier this week the RFU confirmed that Wasps have been given approval to take part in the Championship next season but there was no late reprieve for Worcester, who it had been suggested would be rebranded as ‘Sixways Rugby’.
Free Radio News report that the owners of the Warriors, Atlas, led by Jim O’Toole and James Sandford, held a meeting with supporters at Sixways.
During the meeting, O’Toole revealed that, in principle, Wasps would relocate to the stadium next season and continue to play there until their own stadium’s development is completed. However, Wasps have not yet confirmed the move.
The move would see the formerly London and then Coventry-based side spend at least three years at the stadium.
O’Toole also addressed earlier the controversies around their rebrand, assuring the crowd of around 550 fans that Worcester Warriors would retain its name. Additionally, he announced that Stourbridge RFC would become Warriors next season, subject to a members’ vote.
He also emphasized the plan to invest in the side, lending players from Wasps, with the goal of moving up the leagues to the Championship within five years.
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Atlas announced last Thursday that the RFU’s demands for inclusion in the Championship were too onerous, forcing them to instead pursue a merger with semi-professional Stourbridge in the hope of competing in the fourth tier.
Wasps and Worcester were placed into administration earlier in the season after being pursued for unpaid tax by HM Revenue and Customs, resulting in their removal from the Gallagher Premiership.
On Thursday 9 February, Atlas released a statement saying that they had withdrawn its application for Worcester Warriors men’s team to play in the Championship.
The RFU and DCMS met with Atlas on Monday 13 February to see if there could be a different resolution to the situation. The Atlas position did not change, and therefore Worcester Warriors will not participate in the Championship in the 2023-24 season.
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additional reporting PA
