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46
Wasps Rugby Discussion / World U20's
« on: June 20, 2023, 05:25:18 PM »
Just seen the schedule for this weekend.
Only the Wales v NZ game is televised [I think it is on a Welsh language channel].
Anyone heard any other viewing options - YouTube ?
Only the Wales v NZ game is televised [I think it is on a Welsh language channel].
Anyone heard any other viewing options - YouTube ?
47
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Top 14 Final
« on: June 19, 2023, 10:36:35 AM »
Agree Baldpaul101.
He is a bit stronger in the contact and a bit slower than he was 4-5 years ago. Otherwise the same player.
Lazy journalism - like Saracens made Billy V into an International
He is a bit stronger in the contact and a bit slower than he was 4-5 years ago. Otherwise the same player.
Lazy journalism - like Saracens made Billy V into an International
48
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Top 14 Final
« on: June 17, 2023, 05:35:10 PM »
I cast the Top 14 games from iphone to smart TV. Remarkably stable images [so far].
49
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: This Might have been missed - BT want Rebate
« on: June 11, 2023, 09:34:18 AM »
I can't see anyone investing in Rugby Union in England with the head trauma litigation in the background. For right or wrong, we may be litigated to oblivion.
50
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: This Might have been missed - BT want Rebate
« on: June 09, 2023, 04:50:05 PM »They didn't account for loyalty or human nature.
The classic problem with British management since the 1950s. I call it the 'accountant syndrome' (not wishing to cast all bean counters in this light, but ...). They collectively destroyed most of British industry.
And are continuing to do so.
With an annual output of ?183 billion, the UK is the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world.
51
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: This Might have been missed - BT want Rebate
« on: June 08, 2023, 05:19:08 PM »Not to mention Wasps and Irish had high TV figures as the fanbase is more spread. Reduced fans with skin in the game. I am not watching any English rugby, many will watch less.
Plus Wasps had one of the biggest travelling fanbase due, in part, to our spread across the country. We were often told in Europe that we were their biggest visitors from England. All lost now.
Maybe we were just the noisiest and drank the most wine?
52
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Saracens
« on: May 30, 2023, 01:55:35 PM »
I don't think the Trump family is in the same league as the Bidens. You read the wrong newspapers!
53
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: I think I?ve found a new team to support
« on: May 24, 2023, 08:44:58 AM »
Sie sind ein Rottweiler
54
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Dublin
« on: May 20, 2023, 10:22:13 PM »
It was a very good game, but I have my reservations. It is dependent on having enough money to put 13 [8+5] enormously powerful men into the scrum, with two or three more for the backs. You then overwhelm the opposition. Yes there is more to it than that, but only a very few teams can hope to compete against the power they have. We saw it in the Toulon v Glasgow game as well, with a bit more finesse from Toulon against a weaker opponent.
55
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Salary cap warning
« on: May 16, 2023, 10:19:51 PM »
The Saracens financial corruption deserves a novel by Mario Puzo on its own.
56
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Worcester - Atlas have until 2nd May to complete purchase
« on: May 09, 2023, 09:24:29 PM »
New in the Times:
Wasps? new life in Championship at risk as RFU deadline looms
Club have no director of rugby, while Worcester Warriors supporters group say Sixways proposal would break regulations
new
Alex Lowe, Rugby Correspondent
Tuesday May 09 2023, 9.00pm, The Times
Rugby union
Former Wasps head coach Blackett has taken a role as assistant coach at Bath
Former Wasps head coach Blackett has taken a role as assistant coach at Bath
DENNIS GOODWIN/PROSPORTS/SHUTTERSTOCK
Share
Save
Wasps are in a race against time to secure a place in the Championship for next season ? and their future as a viable professional rugby club. At present they have no director of rugby and no players, while the chief executive, Andy Scott, left a month ago, with no replacement appointed. Wasps are a club who exist on paper only and the clock is ticking.
The new owners have until the RFU?s board meeting this month to demonstrate that they can fulfil up to eight criteria ? ranging from governance to building a competitive squad ? or their licence to compete in the Championship next season will be revoked.
Wasps, the champions of England on six occasions and twice conquerors of Europe, were suspended from the Gallagher Premiership by the RFU in October after going bust with ?95 million of debt, and then relegated to the second tier as punishment.
Halo22 Ltd, a company owned by Christopher Holland, lifted the club out of administration in December when it bought the intellectual property, history and memorabilia of Wasps RFC for ?150,000. The Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation, which includes Kenny Logan, Peter Scrivener and Mark Rigby, is thought to have provided working capital to the phoenix operation.
Jack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their booksJack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their books
Jack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their books
DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES
The RFU announced in December that Wasps would be permitted to take their place in the Championship after the governing body had conducted ?extensive due diligence?, including a background check on Holland, who already owned the club?s training centre at Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, and an examination of the business plan.
However, this licence approval was subject to a series of specific conditions being met and there is understood to be some concern at Twickenham over the progress Wasps have made. The RFU wants to be certain that the club will be able to participate next season so it can push ahead with restructuring the Championship, hence the looming deadline.
? Jack Willis: Staying in France was right decision despite England rule
The Championship this season comprised 12 clubs; it was won by Jersey, with Richmond set to be relegated and replaced by Cambridge. The inclusion of Wasps would make it a 13-team league. Some provisional fixture lists show the division could feature 14 teams, which would mean a stay of execution for Richmond.
On a sporting front, Wasps have much to do. They must demonstrate to the RFU that a new director of rugby is at least close to being appointed and provide evidence of a recruitment plan that would deliver a squad capable of competing in the Championship.
Wasps made initial inquiries about rehiring Lee Blackett, who was head coach when the club went bust, but he has now joined Bath as an assistant coach. With no director of rugby in place, Wasps have not recruited any players. The board have not been responding to inquiries from agents. The club will need to sign upwards of about 30 players before pre-season training begins in August.
? Stephen Jones: Losing Wasps and Worcester makes this the worst season ever
It is uncertain at present what the club?s playing budget would be. Having had to sell their Premiership share back to the league for ?9.8 million after going into administration, Wasps no longer have access to those top-flight revenue streams and Championship funding from the RFU is about ?100,000.
Meanwhile, Ealing Trailfinders, who finished second in the league to Jersey Reds, have strengthened for next season with the recruitment from Gloucester of Billy Twelvetrees, the former England centre, and Jordy Reid, the flanker.
Wasps have made progress on a potential stadium, although that tale exposes further the cruel and continuing mismanagement of Worcester Warriors, the first club who went into administration this season.
The best location in the country for the establishment of a new professional rugby club would be Canterbury in Kent, according to research, because of the potential for converting a strong rugby community into followers of a Premiership team.
However, Wasps are set on remaining in the Midlands, near the training centre, and they have requested permission from the RFU to play at Sixways, Worcester?s home ground, for the next three years.
The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at SixwaysThe Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways
The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways
DAVID DAVIES/PA
Last week it emerged that Holland, via another of his companies, Loxwood Holdings Ltd, had loaned Worcester?s new owners, Atlas WWRFC, ?1.15 million.
The arrangement was described by Wasps as ?a means of securing our agreement to enter a three-year lease for Sixways?.
With the Wasps training centre being rented by Birmingham City FC at present, the club could relocate fully to the Sixways site ? using it for matches, training and as a headquarters for all rugby operations at a cost of ?600,000 a year.
But the whole arrangement has provoked strong opposition from the Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust (WWST), which has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways.
The WWST claimed the tenancy proposal and the loan arrangement breached multiple RFU regulations, including rules that state no party can hold direct or indirect influence over a second club.
?It would be unforgivable if a club without any stadium or facilities, which has left behind vast debts and misery in Coventry, was given preferential treatment over our long-established club,? the WWST said in a statement to the RFU.
?Wasps have no history in our local area; we believe they are intent on effectively poaching a ?ready-made? fanbase.?
If the Sixways plan is rejected by the RFU ? or if Atlas WWRFC cannot pay back the loan and the stadium has to be sold ? then Wasps will play their home games next season at Solihull Moors FC, which has already been signed off.
To be granted their provisional licence back in December, Wasps had to commit to settling all debts with rugby creditors, including players, club employees and agents who went unpaid before the previous incarnation of the club hit the wall.
This is believed to be one of the bigger stumbling blocks, especially if Derek Richardson, the former owner, who is owed ?28 million from loans to the club, is also considered a rugby creditor. The club are understood to be arguing that the image rights portion of a player?s income should not be included.
The RFU has governance demands too. Under the terms of the insolvency agreement, Wasps must demonstrate that the majority of the board is independent. There has been no public confirmation of appointments but it was reported in December that the Wasps board includes: Dame Inga Beale, a former chief executive of Lloyd?s of London, Simon Morris, chief creative officer worldwide at Amazon, and Chris Braithwaite, a former head of Apple?s global real-estate division.
The board must hold its first meeting by May 31, to which an RFU observer must be invited to attend. Wasps must also demonstrate they have established an audit and risk committee and provide their most recent accounts.
?We have been given certain criteria to meet a deadline set by the RFU and will submit a detailed written response to them by the due date,? a Wasps spokesperson said.
The future of Wasps rests on whether the RFU board is satisfied by that submission. The clock is ticking.
Wasps? new life in Championship at risk as RFU deadline looms
Club have no director of rugby, while Worcester Warriors supporters group say Sixways proposal would break regulations
new
Alex Lowe, Rugby Correspondent
Tuesday May 09 2023, 9.00pm, The Times
Rugby union
Former Wasps head coach Blackett has taken a role as assistant coach at Bath
Former Wasps head coach Blackett has taken a role as assistant coach at Bath
DENNIS GOODWIN/PROSPORTS/SHUTTERSTOCK
Share
Save
Wasps are in a race against time to secure a place in the Championship for next season ? and their future as a viable professional rugby club. At present they have no director of rugby and no players, while the chief executive, Andy Scott, left a month ago, with no replacement appointed. Wasps are a club who exist on paper only and the clock is ticking.
The new owners have until the RFU?s board meeting this month to demonstrate that they can fulfil up to eight criteria ? ranging from governance to building a competitive squad ? or their licence to compete in the Championship next season will be revoked.
Wasps, the champions of England on six occasions and twice conquerors of Europe, were suspended from the Gallagher Premiership by the RFU in October after going bust with ?95 million of debt, and then relegated to the second tier as punishment.
Halo22 Ltd, a company owned by Christopher Holland, lifted the club out of administration in December when it bought the intellectual property, history and memorabilia of Wasps RFC for ?150,000. The Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation, which includes Kenny Logan, Peter Scrivener and Mark Rigby, is thought to have provided working capital to the phoenix operation.
Jack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their booksJack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their books
Jack Willis, who will remain at Toulouse next season, leaves the field against Northampton in October ? Wasps currently have no players on their books
DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES
The RFU announced in December that Wasps would be permitted to take their place in the Championship after the governing body had conducted ?extensive due diligence?, including a background check on Holland, who already owned the club?s training centre at Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, and an examination of the business plan.
However, this licence approval was subject to a series of specific conditions being met and there is understood to be some concern at Twickenham over the progress Wasps have made. The RFU wants to be certain that the club will be able to participate next season so it can push ahead with restructuring the Championship, hence the looming deadline.
? Jack Willis: Staying in France was right decision despite England rule
The Championship this season comprised 12 clubs; it was won by Jersey, with Richmond set to be relegated and replaced by Cambridge. The inclusion of Wasps would make it a 13-team league. Some provisional fixture lists show the division could feature 14 teams, which would mean a stay of execution for Richmond.
On a sporting front, Wasps have much to do. They must demonstrate to the RFU that a new director of rugby is at least close to being appointed and provide evidence of a recruitment plan that would deliver a squad capable of competing in the Championship.
Wasps made initial inquiries about rehiring Lee Blackett, who was head coach when the club went bust, but he has now joined Bath as an assistant coach. With no director of rugby in place, Wasps have not recruited any players. The board have not been responding to inquiries from agents. The club will need to sign upwards of about 30 players before pre-season training begins in August.
? Stephen Jones: Losing Wasps and Worcester makes this the worst season ever
It is uncertain at present what the club?s playing budget would be. Having had to sell their Premiership share back to the league for ?9.8 million after going into administration, Wasps no longer have access to those top-flight revenue streams and Championship funding from the RFU is about ?100,000.
Meanwhile, Ealing Trailfinders, who finished second in the league to Jersey Reds, have strengthened for next season with the recruitment from Gloucester of Billy Twelvetrees, the former England centre, and Jordy Reid, the flanker.
Wasps have made progress on a potential stadium, although that tale exposes further the cruel and continuing mismanagement of Worcester Warriors, the first club who went into administration this season.
The best location in the country for the establishment of a new professional rugby club would be Canterbury in Kent, according to research, because of the potential for converting a strong rugby community into followers of a Premiership team.
However, Wasps are set on remaining in the Midlands, near the training centre, and they have requested permission from the RFU to play at Sixways, Worcester?s home ground, for the next three years.
The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at SixwaysThe Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways
The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways
DAVID DAVIES/PA
Last week it emerged that Holland, via another of his companies, Loxwood Holdings Ltd, had loaned Worcester?s new owners, Atlas WWRFC, ?1.15 million.
The arrangement was described by Wasps as ?a means of securing our agreement to enter a three-year lease for Sixways?.
With the Wasps training centre being rented by Birmingham City FC at present, the club could relocate fully to the Sixways site ? using it for matches, training and as a headquarters for all rugby operations at a cost of ?600,000 a year.
But the whole arrangement has provoked strong opposition from the Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust (WWST), which has told the RFU it would be ?unforgivable? to grant Wasps permission to play at Sixways.
The WWST claimed the tenancy proposal and the loan arrangement breached multiple RFU regulations, including rules that state no party can hold direct or indirect influence over a second club.
?It would be unforgivable if a club without any stadium or facilities, which has left behind vast debts and misery in Coventry, was given preferential treatment over our long-established club,? the WWST said in a statement to the RFU.
?Wasps have no history in our local area; we believe they are intent on effectively poaching a ?ready-made? fanbase.?
If the Sixways plan is rejected by the RFU ? or if Atlas WWRFC cannot pay back the loan and the stadium has to be sold ? then Wasps will play their home games next season at Solihull Moors FC, which has already been signed off.
To be granted their provisional licence back in December, Wasps had to commit to settling all debts with rugby creditors, including players, club employees and agents who went unpaid before the previous incarnation of the club hit the wall.
This is believed to be one of the bigger stumbling blocks, especially if Derek Richardson, the former owner, who is owed ?28 million from loans to the club, is also considered a rugby creditor. The club are understood to be arguing that the image rights portion of a player?s income should not be included.
The RFU has governance demands too. Under the terms of the insolvency agreement, Wasps must demonstrate that the majority of the board is independent. There has been no public confirmation of appointments but it was reported in December that the Wasps board includes: Dame Inga Beale, a former chief executive of Lloyd?s of London, Simon Morris, chief creative officer worldwide at Amazon, and Chris Braithwaite, a former head of Apple?s global real-estate division.
The board must hold its first meeting by May 31, to which an RFU observer must be invited to attend. Wasps must also demonstrate they have established an audit and risk committee and provide their most recent accounts.
?We have been given certain criteria to meet a deadline set by the RFU and will submit a detailed written response to them by the due date,? a Wasps spokesperson said.
The future of Wasps rests on whether the RFU board is satisfied by that submission. The clock is ticking.
57
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: French lessons ? attracting people (to rugby)
« on: April 20, 2023, 05:21:54 PM »
I don't think Charles Richardson mentioned the token issue in France.
You queue to exchange your cash for tokens.
You queue to exchange your tokens for beer/food.
You get no change, and you cannot exchange your unused tokens for cash.
It is the equivalent of having a 20-50% increase in the cost of goods unless you attend regularly - to the same club, as the tokens have the clubs name on them, - which would mean a less severe increase.
It is completely unnecessary in the days of cards. It has been introduced presumably to raid your piggy bank for the World Cup. Lets hope it dies out soon after.
You queue to exchange your cash for tokens.
You queue to exchange your tokens for beer/food.
You get no change, and you cannot exchange your unused tokens for cash.
It is the equivalent of having a 20-50% increase in the cost of goods unless you attend regularly - to the same club, as the tokens have the clubs name on them, - which would mean a less severe increase.
It is completely unnecessary in the days of cards. It has been introduced presumably to raid your piggy bank for the World Cup. Lets hope it dies out soon after.
58
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: April 12, 2023, 12:18:11 PM »
Jacques le chacal
59
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: ERC 1/4s
« on: April 10, 2023, 07:56:58 PM »
I don't think Itoje's real estate deal with Wray has been included.
60
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: ERC 1/4s
« on: April 09, 2023, 01:01:48 PM »
Just watching the Toulouse game.
In all the justified applause for Dupont, Ramos [an extraordinary player] gets a bit forgotten.
In all the justified applause for Dupont, Ramos [an extraordinary player] gets a bit forgotten.