Do the rugby creditors include the players ie. Brad mentioning being owed a few 100k in image rights?
Yes. No one has quantified the extent of Wasps rugby creditors, but I would be surprised if it did not run to ?10-20m, of the ?90-100m total debt. Not having to pay that will relieve that pressure on the club.
My view is that size of debt would have been yet another millstone that would have eventually dragged the club down again.
In order for any team to start again, they are treated by the RFU as an entirely new club. As such, before you can apply, you must have a ground (Henley would do I guess), some facilities (toilets, changing rooms), coaches and medics, and a team (at least 23 players of the required mix). Wasps should have sorted all that ages ago on the basis that they would have to start again. Could be totally amateur, or at least expenses based payments. The team would have had to have played some 'friendly' games with local clubs, likely some that are in the league they want to join, to show they are playing at the right level. Initially that would be the bottom most league in your area. The RFU would check all this over, talk to the clubs in that league, and would, all things being equal, let you join the next year. All sorts of stuff gets checked, so it can take months. If they decide your team is too good for that league, and with the agreement of the clubs in that league, they might ask you to play some more friendlies against clubs in the next league up, and might allow you in to that one. Had Wasps started that process back in November, as a back stop, they might now be in a position to rejoin the league system. As it is, there is no chance to start that now ready for next season. But, the RFU can make it up as they go along. That is the process, I think. The statement from Wasps suggests that they might now be considering this. Better get their skates on is all I can say.