Wasps' training ground has a new client, but it isn't a rugby team

Wasps’ training ground is back in business – but not for rugby. The Henley-in-Arden facility became surplus to requirement in October when the Gallagher Premiership club collapsed with 167 players and staff being made redundant.

That horrible development resulted in the £4million state-of-the-art 13-acre training facility – which was opened to great fanfare in September 2021 – being left without its primary user just 13 months after its official opening.

Last May, Wasps owner Derek Richardson gave up his stake in the training ground, documents filed with Companies House showing that the Henley-in-Arden complex was now under the sole control of another Wasps director, Christopher Holland.

It was at Henley-in-Arden on October 17 when players and staff were infamously informed that the club had financially collapsed but the training ground now has a temporary new tenant as the men’s and U21 teams from Birmingham City football club have relocated their training there following a March 3 fire at their Wast Hills site.

A Birmingham statement read: “The men’s and U21s teams will temporarily relocate to the site formerly used by Wasps in Henley-in-Arden. This site was opened in September 2021 and will provide players and staff with a facility on a temporary basis.”

"I feel teams are a lot braver in the URC"@scarlets_rugby assistant coach Lee Blackett found himself having to adjust following the demise of Wasps. He talks coaching, URC, being on the road and what the future holds, w/ @heagneyl ??? #wasps https://t.co/3zswzMJ6nJ

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 26, 2023

Currently, there is uncertainty regarding the return of Wasps to the rugby field. It was February 15 when the RFU confirmed their application to participate in the Championship next season had been successful but apart from a single tweet, there have been no exact details since then provided by the club.

It was three days after the RFU confirmation that Wasps posted a rare message on Twitter denying they had entered an agreement to play at Sixways, the stadium belonging to fellow Premiership financial casualty Worcester.

That post read: “Despite recent speculation, Wasps can confirm no agreement has been signed with any stadium and remain in discussions with potential venues. No agreement will be finalised without first consulting with relevant governing bodies and local communities that would be impacted.”