Relegation confirmed - Takeover needs to be completed by Monday

[WonkyWasp]

One rule for one. Different rule for another.

[DGP Wasp]

This is just an appeal to the RFU against the RFU's own decision, so the fact that the RFU rejected the appeal should come as no surprise to anyone.  Merely part of the process.  Next step will be an independent appeal which ought to be a bit more objective.  That's not to say that they definitely won't come to the same conclusion, but they will at least approach it with more of an open mind.

The 12th December deadline strikes me as something the RFU have manufactured to ensure that the remaining clubs still get their way regardless of whatever conclusions are reached following an independent appeal.  To say that it is to allow the remaining teams to plan for next season is nonsense.  Every season (until recently), there has been a handful of Premiership and Championship clubs unsure of what league they will be playing in the following season right up until May.

What happens now if that deadline passes with no takeover for either Wasps or Worcester, CAS then rules that Covid was the main contributory factor to insolvency, exempting both from relegation under the RFU's own rules and insists that they are reinstated with a proportionate points penalty for the following season?  Assuming both clubs plan further appeals, then the remaining clubs' plans for next season will be no more certain next week than they are today.

[Heathen]

This is just an appeal to the RFU against the RFU's own decision, so the fact that the RFU rejected the appeal should come as no surprise to anyone.  Merely part of the process.  Next step will be an independent appeal which ought to be a bit more objective.  That's not to say that they definitely won't come to the same conclusion, but they will at least approach it with more of an open mind.

The 12th December deadline strikes me as something the RFU have manufactured to ensure that the remaining clubs still get their way regardless of whatever conclusions are reached following an independent appeal.  To say that it is to allow the remaining teams to plan for next season is nonsense.  Every season (until recently), there has been a handful of Premiership and Championship clubs unsure of what league they will be playing in the following season right up until May.

What happens now if that deadline passes with no takeover for either Wasps or Worcester, CAS then rules that Covid was the main contributory factor to insolvency, exempting both from relegation under the RFU's own rules and insists that they are reinstated with a proportionate points penalty for the following season?  Assuming both clubs plan further appeals, then the remaining clubs' plans for next season will be no more certain next week than they are today.

Thanks DGP. It's good to get a rational analysis of what's going on. No doubt the Legends will be well on top of this.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

Just a thought, but if Wasps Legends aren't fit and proper people who the hell is?

[Neils]

Strange things - someone on SBT indicating the our lot have the Kassam earmarked.

[DGP Wasp]

Just a thought, but if Wasps Legends aren't fit and proper people who the hell is?

Well we know of at least one person who is believed to be a prominent member that is reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy himself!

[MarleyWasp]

The Kassam needs redevelopment but may not be a bad shout. It would be easier for the West Midlands supporters to get to than London and easier for the London supporters to get to than the West Midlands, whilst being commutable from Henley and with the owners showing little interest in the stadium, may be purchasable on the cheap once Oxford United move out into a stadium they're looking to build.

[bigad82]

Kassam stadium is a complete non runner.The owner wants to flatten it first chance he gets

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Oxford FC have a lease there until 2026, but are looking at building a new stadium just outside Kidlington. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that we might be looking to move to the Kassam and then follow Oxford to their new home if it happens.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Compared to an open field that cows normally graze in, the Kassam is quite good.

It has awful parking, even worse access. Walking, it would take me close to two hours to walk to from the railway station, but I wouldn't be able to walk that far in reality. A fit person, maybe an hour and a half.

The ground isn't designed to keep rugby balls, so I can see cars getting damaged every week. All of which could be managed.

OTOH. A new ground next to the Oxford Parkway station and park & ride would be an excellent option. The fields around there have been decimated with aggregate workings, so might make an attractive 'fix'.

But, what then do you do with training centre? The ground would be an unworkable distance away.

[Bloke in North Dorset]

Just a thought, but if Wasps Legends aren't fit and proper people who the hell is?

Well we know of at least one person who is believed to be a prominent member that is reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy himself!

Fair point

[Laterontoday]

Compared to an open field that cows normally graze in, the Kassam is quite good.

It has awful parking, even worse access. Walking, it would take me close to two hours to walk to from the railway station, but I wouldn't be able to walk that far in reality. A fit person, maybe an hour and a half.

The ground isn't designed to keep rugby balls, so I can see cars getting damaged every week. All of which could be managed.

OTOH. A new ground next to the Oxford Parkway station and park & ride would be an excellent option. The fields around there have been decimated with aggregate workings, so might make an attractive 'fix'.

But, what then do you do with training centre? The ground would be an unworkable distance away.

The OUFC proposals were originally for the existing Stratfield Break site but this is attracting lots of opposition. None of those fields have been quarried. Ox City Council have proposed an adjacent site but its all within the green Belt. Ironic really as Ox City Council usually oppose anything in the greenbelt however the proposed site is not in their district. Long time before this development gets approval.  Unless someone  buys the current Kassam site then it will be flattened.  The science park is rapidly expanding that way and housing is always in demand around Oxford.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Compared to an open field that cows normally graze in, the Kassam is quite good.

It has awful parking, even worse access. Walking, it would take me close to two hours to walk to from the railway station, but I wouldn't be able to walk that far in reality. A fit person, maybe an hour and a half.

The ground isn't designed to keep rugby balls, so I can see cars getting damaged every week. All of which could be managed.

OTOH. A new ground next to the Oxford Parkway station and park & ride would be an excellent option. The fields around there have been decimated with aggregate workings, so might make an attractive 'fix'.

But, what then do you do with training centre? The ground would be an unworkable distance away.

In fairness how many people are going to need parking for a championship level Wasps with none of the stars or history of the original club?

[bigad82]

From Marcello off twitter....
THE @RFU have confirmed they will be able to allow some flexibility regarding the deadline on applying for the Championship season in 2023/24. This is relating purely to Worcester and not Wasps.
He was only asking about WW.

[Neils]

The other point is why are the WW & Wasps dates the same when WW went to the wall a month earlier.