Always a Wasp

General Category => Wasps Rugby Discussion => Topic started by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 07:06:05 AM

Title: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 07:06:05 AM
Well the alloted day has arrived.

Do we get to know whether anything is positive or will it be negative. I assume like all deadline days there will be a cut off time but who knows when - 10 am, noon, 3 pm or close of play?

How long before the ever efficient RFU pronounce? Will it take them a number of days - who the hell knows.

Will the Worcester situation confuse or delay matters. I suppose if we did reach an agreement with Atlas that may well be in jeopardy much to the delight of some.

Cross fingers folks.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 14, 2023, 07:34:21 AM
Good luck to Wuss  and Wasps.  I'm hoping for the best for both.  Please God.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Skippy on February 14, 2023, 07:40:51 AM
The trick is to have zero expectations, as that generally leaves the most room for an upside when all is done.

That said, as the Ahh Eff You All is involved there?s always the possibility that it will plumb new depths below zero.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Shugs on February 14, 2023, 08:15:08 AM
The RFU are involved. It?s very possible we?ll hear via a leak in some form of the media than anything official.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on February 14, 2023, 10:43:17 AM
Let us suppose for one moment that the improbably happens, and Wasps submit a 'final' proposal by this deadline.

There is no indication on how quickly the RFU might respond, whether that response would be made public, or whether there will be some back and forth haggling.

Indeed, Wasps could have made their response days ago, if indeed they are able.

The response may have been a decision tree.

Our preferred ground is xxx, but if you will not approve that, our second choice is yyy and so on.

I am sort of hoping that, if Wasps' first choice is Sixways for the ground, that the RFU say no, too far away from Coventry, and it belongs to Warriors (even though Atlas say Warriors is dead). The way Atlas have treaded the fans of Warriors is bad, and makes me feel like Deja Vu, SISU all over.

I am hoping that the RFU insist that the ground choice is temporary, and that progress is already underway for a more permanent ground. Not we are looking around ... but, that we have a heads of agreement with a land owner and that already the site is at least designated by way of current use, or proposed in a local plan, as a sports facility with parking etc.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: bigad82 on February 14, 2023, 10:52:41 AM
Website has changed saying confirmed return for 23/24 season.
Nothing else just that.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 10:54:51 AM
Website has changed saying confirmed return for 23/24 season.
Nothing else just that.

Hasn't changed since the December date as far as I can see.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: bigad82 on February 14, 2023, 11:03:46 AM
Website has changed saying confirmed return for 23/24 season.
Nothing else just that.

Hasn't changed since the December date as far as I can see.
Your right my phone only downloaded the header.Whent on desktop and got the statement from 16/12022.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 11:32:47 AM
Worcester Warriors & Wasps: What happens next for relegated Premiership pair?
By Ged ScottBBC Sport

Last updated on

22 minutes ago22 minutes ago.From the section English Rugby
Flags bearing Worcester Warriors and Wasps' club crests
Wasps and Worcester expect to find out what will happen to them next season on 14 February

Professional rugby in the Midlands is in a bit of a mess.

The 2022-23 season, which began with two Midlands-based clubs in the Premiership - Worcester Warriors and Wasps - will end with none, after both suffered financial collapse, went into administration and were relegated.

And it is still not clear what will happen, either at Worcester's home Sixways or wherever Wasps will play in 2023-24.

The latest deadline set by the Rugby Football Union is 17:00 GMT on 14 February - and the two clubs are in contrasting states.

    Duckworth family 'devastated' by rebranding
    BBC Hereford & Worcester's latest Warriors' podcast

Wasps have a league to enter next season, but no ground.

Worcester have a ground, but no league. And no name either.

But, other than the two clubs one day merging, a not unworkable theory that has already been mooted in certain sections of the media, how is this all going to play out?
Warriors make a name for themselves

Worcester's new owners, Atlas Group, last week announced a plan to eradicate all the perceived "negativity" of the recent past by changing the club name to Sixways Rugby.

They also invited another Worcestershire side, fourth-tier Stourbridge, to play at Sixways as their first team - in an attempt to avoid a tumble too far down the national league ladder.

That simply led to that aforementioned "negativity" being replaced by outright hostility as angry fans queued up to register their complaints to BBC Hereford & Worcester.

After further discussions, and in light of the fans' fury, Atlas have agreed to consider a change of heart on that.

But, until that is decided, at a meeting between owners and fans at Sixways on Saturday, they are a club with no name for the next few days.
Former Worcester Warriors CEO Jim O'Toole at Sixways
Jim O'Toole stood down as Worcester chief executive in June 2017
Where will Wasps play?

Wasps severed ties with the Coventry Building Society Arena when the ground's ownership went into administration - and it was immediately bought by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group in November.

Wasps were then bought on 16 December - the same day they were told they would have a place in the Championship next season - by HALO22 Limited, a company owned by Christopher Holland.

Their new owners have also consulted at boardroom level with Solihull Moors. But a deal could now be in place for the former London amateur side to become primary tenants at Worcester - their fifth home in 27 years, having also played at QPR's Loftus Road, Adams Park, High Wycombe and in Coventry since their first team left their original home in Acton, at Twyford Avenue, in 1996.

Wasps' move to Worcester as tenants could even be announced as early as Tuesday.
New Wasps chief executive Andy Scott
Wasps appointed Andy Scott as chief executive in December
Who will Worcester be?

It was not made clear by the RFU in December that the Atlas Group - headed by Irish businessmen Jim O'Toole and James Sandford - failed the owners' test, despite being chosen as preferred bidders by the administrators Begbies Traynor.

It has since been reported that they did fail - and now also confirmed by the RFU.

It has not yet been confirmed whether they have now actually passed that test, although contracts were exchanged last week. And Atlas co-owner Sandford told BBC Hereford & Worcester that they had been in a meeting on Monday with the RFU and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Their plan last week was to abandon the bid to play in the Championship in the 2023-24 season, align with relatively neighbouring Stourbridge - and start next season in National League Two West. But Stour are bottom of the league, having won just once in 18 games this season - and even had to concede one of those matches as they could not raise a team.

That needs voting on by Stourbridge club members. A proposal was discussed at an 'informal' meeting on Friday at their Stourton Park home, at which no vote was taken.

It could be a clever tactic from the new Warriors owners. It would avoid having to go too far down the English rugby pyramid.

If they could supplement the Stour team with enough players to help keep them up, the team - under whichever name - would then start in the fourth tier, rather than the fifth, next season - just two levels below the Championship.

But, for that to happen, any new players must be signed by the league transfer deadline on Friday.
A general view of Worcester Warriors' Sixways home
Sixways, the home of Worcester Warriors, was opened in 1998
Will there be Championship rugby at Sixways in 2023?

If Wasps complete a deal to move in as tenants, Championship rugby would be assured at Sixways in 2023-24.

But is there any chance that there could be two Championship clubs sharing the same stadium?

Talks are ongoing between Atlas, the DCMS and the RFU, who have said that the door remains open. And 14 February is scheduled to be the date when Midlands rugby fans are set to find out exactly how.
Questions that still need answering

The RFU made four key points when they rejected the original Atlas bid for Championship rugby for Worcester Warriors on 16 December:

    The RFU is concerned by the public statement from the bidders that they are prepared to acquire the site and develop it without a rugby offering.
    The RFU does not have comfort that the business plan can be funded, nor that rugby is at the centre of the proposal for the business which is an American medical services company.
    The RFU will now work with the administrator (Begbies Traynor) to enable alternative bids that would secure professional rugby at Sixways and to work together in a timetable to enable that to happen.
    The RFU urges the administrator not to progress any sale that does not guarantee a future for rugby within the local community.

Other players in the game

In the short term, regardless of what might happen next season with Wasps, the Atlas Group plan to share the artificial six-and-a-half-year-old Sixways pitch for the rest of the season with their existing tenants, Worcester Women and non-league football side Worcester Raiders.

The Premier 15s side have held talks with the new owners in the hope that they can carry on renting - but that deal runs out at the end of the season and they could potentially lose their Premiership place if they lost use of Sixways.

Despite their modest budget Worcester Women are in mid-table - and have now been backed by a 10-year deal with new sponsors Cube.

The tenancy agreement with eighth-tier football side Raiders also expires at the end of the season.

Worcester Rugby Football Club, the original amateur club from whom Worcester Warriors were created in the 1990s, have also expressed their sadness at only learning of the Atlas/Stourbridge plan via social media - especially as O'Toole has been one of their club members since his days as Warriors chief executive.

Although the Warriors and Worcester RFC have been separate entities since 2016, the amateur club still reside on the same site at Sixways, all paid for by late former club benefactor Cecil Duckworth. And they have concerns at how their club will be affected by the proposed tie-up with Stourbridge.
Former Worcester director of rugby Steve Diamond pictured at Sixways
Steve Diamond first joined Worcester Warriors in November 2021, taking over first-team responsibilities two months later and then becoming director of rugby

The final players in the game are the Steve Diamond and Adam Hewitt consortium, the other main bidders for Worcester Warriors when the club was first put open to offers in October.

Former director of rugby Diamond, who was in charge when Warriors memorably won their last game against Newcastle in September, says he and Hewitt had RFU approval and had the financial backing to to clear debts to the creditors - and that had their offer been accepted they would have been playing in the Championship this September, still under the club's existing name.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 11:35:08 AM
So 5 pm is the deadline time.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 14, 2023, 12:15:32 PM
So, as I understand it from the thread yesterday, it's a 5pm deadline for Wasps to submit their proposal(s) and then it will take X amount of time for the RFU to decide.

As Neils said, we're probably more likely to hear rumours/leaks from journalists on Twitter before we get an official statement from the RFU. How long that will all take I suppose is anyone's guess.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 14, 2023, 12:18:35 PM
Neils  -  10 out of 10/ A plus*  for that incredible  piece of writing.  Thank you, in admiration.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 12:26:49 PM
Just a concerned supporter missing my long car journeys and near heart attacks with our defending!!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: baldpaul101 on February 14, 2023, 03:23:51 PM
Surely new wasps have to say something today? Even if its just "we've responded to the RFUs issues by the stated deadline" just to show us that:
1. something IS happening
2. the ball is in the RFUs court.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 03:52:23 PM
Surely new wasps have to say something today? Even if its just "we've responded to the RFUs issues by the stated deadline" just to show us that:
1. something IS happening
2. the ball is in the RFUs court.

You would hope so but -
Wasps have kept everything firmly under wraps up until now unlike the other lot and might be under instructions from the RFU to keep quiet until they, the RFU,  make an announcement.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 14, 2023, 04:08:42 PM
Surely new wasps have to say something today? Even if its just "we've responded to the RFUs issues by the stated deadline" just to show us that:
1. something IS happening
2. the ball is in the RFUs court.

You would hope so but -
Wasps have kept everything firmly under wraps up until now unlike the other lot and might be under instructions from the RFU to keep quiet until they, the RFU,  make an announcement.

Not expecting much from the RFU but you would hope that they appreciated that there's people out there who are keen to hear the outcome of their investigation and that, whilst they need to be thorough, they don't take the pi$$.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 04:12:29 PM
Surely new wasps have to say something today? Even if its just "we've responded to the RFUs issues by the stated deadline" just to show us that:
1. something IS happening
2. the ball is in the RFUs court.

You would hope so but -
Wasps have kept everything firmly under wraps up until now unlike the other lot and might be under instructions from the RFU to keep quiet until they, the RFU,  make an announcement.

Not expecting much from the RFU but you would hope that they appreciated that there's people out there who are keen to hear the outcome of their investigation and that, whilst they need to be thorough, they don't take the pi$$.

Ha! The RFU think of supporters. I think I have just seen a flock of pigs up there by that cloud.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 14, 2023, 04:17:21 PM
Surely new wasps have to say something today? Even if its just "we've responded to the RFUs issues by the stated deadline" just to show us that:
1. something IS happening
2. the ball is in the RFUs court.

You would hope so but -
Wasps have kept everything firmly under wraps up until now unlike the other lot and might be under instructions from the RFU to keep quiet until they, the RFU,  make an announcement.

Not expecting much from the RFU but you would hope that they appreciated that there's people out there who are keen to hear the outcome of their investigation and that, whilst they need to be thorough, they don't take the pi$$.

Ha! The RFU think of supporters. I think I have just seen a flock of pigs up there by that cloud.

Glad you saw them go by as well, they went past my window some time ago! It's not just supporters but also everyone and everything connected to the Championship - clubs/businesses/fixture lists etc.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: JF on February 14, 2023, 04:52:53 PM
I would imagine that the submission process requires non-disclosure by both parties, do I wouldn't expect to hear anything until the white smoke billows from the top of Twickers Towers.

One can only hope for faulty plumbing to allow the occasional leak.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 05:00:05 PM
The time has come and our fate is sealed. Or is it - it is the RFU after all!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 05:02:17 PM
The twatter still offers us a Happy New Year.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: westwaleswasp on February 14, 2023, 05:03:26 PM
I think I have more chance of a date with Daria, 27, and all the other women in the adverts on this site, than we do of heari ng anything today.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 14, 2023, 05:05:45 PM
I think I have more chance of a date with Daria, 27, and all the other women in the adverts on this site, than we do of heari ng anything today.

Well, if we don't hear anything today let us know how things go with Daria!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 05:10:41 PM
I think I have more chance of a date with Daria, 27, and all the other women in the adverts on this site, than we do of heari ng anything today.

You too!!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: bigad82 on February 14, 2023, 05:11:13 PM
I think I have more chance of a date with Daria, 27, and all the other women in the adverts on this site, than we do of heari ng anything today.

Well, if we don't hear anything today let us know how things go with Daria!
Don't go on a date with her she drinks doubles,has does her mother.
What a weird night that was.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 14, 2023, 05:37:19 PM
Thank heaven I only get adverts for men's boots and shoes. 
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: MarleyWasp on February 14, 2023, 05:46:59 PM
Qu? ser?, ser?
Whatever will be, will be
Fingers crossed we get an away trip to Jersey
Qu? ser?, ser
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Heathen on February 14, 2023, 06:01:57 PM
Extract from today's article in The Times :

Wasps, who went bust in October, face the same Valentine's Day deadline.

They need to agree RFU terms and repay a substantial bond to take their place in the Championship next season.

The Times understands that Wasps are prepared to commit to the RFU's stipulations.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 14, 2023, 06:03:16 PM
Extract from today's article in The Times :

Wasps, who went bust in October, face the same Valentine?s Day deadline.

They need to agree RFU terms and repay a substantial bond to take their place in the Championship next season.

The Times understands that Wasps are prepared to commit to the RFU?s stipulations.

They stated that in December so all we need is RFU confirmation. 
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: bigad82 on February 15, 2023, 01:37:45 PM
This off twitter
https://twitter.com/Mcossalifrancis/status/1625847898704343041?t=TvU80NKCA8Gtlw5LY9Aidg&s=19
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 01:42:35 PM
Bu$$er all coming on any RFU feed (still putting out various news tweets though) plus no rumours from any of the main rugby press people. Lets hope the Worcester guy is spot on.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: baldpaul101 on February 15, 2023, 01:55:56 PM
Him & Felicity Kvesic have been pretty much spot on with previous tweets so fingers crossed there is news today & it relates to Wasps as well as Warriors
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 04:05:34 PM
You do have to wonder with 4 pm now gone whether they will issue anything today.

If Wasps have submitted everything on time it must be hell waiting/sitting on a comment!



Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: bigad82 on February 15, 2023, 05:02:34 PM
We are in......yes
https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rugby-football-union-statement-on-wasps-worcester-warriors
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:03:47 PM
The RFU can confirm, following yesterday?s deadline related to Championship applications, that Wasps has met the conditions and will have a place in next season?s Championship.

Atlas, the buyers of Worcester Warriors, informed the RFU last week that it would not be continuing with its application for a place in the Championship and this position has not changed. Therefore, they will not have a place in the Championship next year.   

"Our goal has consistently been to see Wasps and Worcester in the Championship and preserve the clubs for their fans and the wider communities they serve," said RFU CEO Bill Sweeney.

"While we had hoped to see both clubs in the Championship next season, we are pleased that following months of work from all parties involved, Wasps will have a place. We know this will be very welcome news to all those connected with the club. We would like to thank all those involved with Wasps for the open and collaborative dialogue over recent months.

"We appreciate the disappointment felt by Worcester Warriors staff, players and fans following the Atlas decision will be very significant.

"For a club to continue following insolvency, it is imperative that it has a sustainable and funded business plan, that there is transparency about ownership and funding structures, and that rugby creditors are paid.   

"Payment of rugby creditors is an integral part of our insolvency regulations, and we cannot approve the takeover of a club without agreement that rugby creditor payments will be made. Given Atlas?s withdrawal from the process, we remain concerned that there are insufficient funds to pay rugby creditors which is a responsibility of the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited to determine.

"We will continue to work with Atlas over the coming weeks to understand their vision for rugby at Sixways.

"While the RFU is the regulator of rugby union, we have worked tirelessly to ensure we are making decisions that are best for the sport."
Wasps

The RFU has received the signed insolvency agreement and proof of funds.

Wasps and the RFU have been working closely in recent weeks, particularly around the payment of rugby creditors, to establish a clear process for validation and payment of those rugby creditors. We will continue to work with and support the club over the payment of rugby creditors. The RFU and Wasps have agreed within the insolvency agreement that the payment of staff and players must be prioritised.
Worcester Warriors

On Thursday 9 February, Atlas released a statement saying that they had withdrawn the 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.

The Atlas decision to withdraw their Championship application leaves the RFU with no regulatory means to enforce the payment of rugby creditors and this responsibility for managing the liabilities of the insolvent club now lies with the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited, and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited.

The RFU awaits the detailed proposals from Atlas on how it proposes to maintain rugby at Sixways, and will continue to work with DCMS, local MPs, Atlas and the local rugby community to help find the best rugby outcome.

The RFU maintains its commitment to running the Midlands academy which it took over in November and the continuation of Worcester Warriors Women.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:07:53 PM
No venue mentioned
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:08:34 PM
Do Fantasy Leagues need a venue - asking for a friend?
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Garuda on February 15, 2023, 05:09:15 PM
Now need to know where?

Can't wait to start hearing news about coaching staff, realistic ambitions within budget and of course the sort of players we'll be able to attract.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 15, 2023, 05:11:36 PM
Still some way to go yet it seems.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: FishingWasp on February 15, 2023, 05:13:19 PM
Yes..... At last.
Now we can speculate on the three Ws
Who
Where
When

Who is running the club, coaches, players
Where - Sixways, Solihul
When are the fixtures announced

And a great big thank you to the legends who have made this possible!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:16:34 PM
A Great Big Thank You to the team that pulled this together.

I note from Kenny's interview last week that they have had many player etc enquiries so lets hope there is movement on those elements.

Interesting to note that the RFU say they have been working with Wasps throughout - unlike the WW owners.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:19:37 PM

Wasps secure Championship place but Worcester Warriors rejected

RFU's decision comes after Warriors' new owners announced they would be withdrawing their application to play in the second tier
By Jack De Menezes 15 February 2023 ? 5:14pm

Wasps have been confirmed a place in next season?s Championship, securing their short-term future after the club?s collapse.

The Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday evening that the new owners of the club have met the conditions laid out for it to enter the second tier of the English rugby pyramid, which included producing both the signed insolvency agreement and proof of funds that includes prioritising paying rugby creditors.

However, there will be no reprieve for Worcester Warriors after new owners Atlas announced their intention to withdraw their application to play in the Championship - a move that will see the existing club cease to exist.

In a statement, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: ?Our goal has consistently been to see Wasps and Worcester in the Championship and preserve the clubs for their fans and the wider communities they serve.

?While we had hoped to see both clubs in the Championship next season, we are pleased that following months of work from all parties involved, Wasps will have a place.  We know this will be very welcome news to all those connected with the club.  We would like to thank all those involved with Wasps for the open and collaborative dialogue over recent months.

?We appreciate that the disappointment felt by Worcester Warriors staff, players and fans following the Atlas decision will be very significant.

?For a club to continue following insolvency, it is imperative that it has a sustainable and funded business plan, that there is transparency about ownership and funding structures, and that rugby creditors are paid.   

?Payment of rugby creditors is an integral part of our insolvency regulations, and we cannot approve the takeover of a club without agreement that rugby creditor payments will be made.  Given Atlas?s withdrawal from the process, we remain concerned that there are insufficient funds to pay rugby creditors which is a responsibility of the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited to determine.

?We will continue to work with Atlas over the coming weeks to understand their vision for rugby at Sixways.

?While the RFU is the regulator of rugby union, we have worked tirelessly to ensure we are making decisions that are best for the sport.?
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Shugs on February 15, 2023, 05:21:24 PM
Fantastic. Championship here we come.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 15, 2023, 05:30:26 PM
I'm a bit emotional about all of this because we are now much, much closer to seeing the club we love back.

Do we still have a lot of work to do? Absolutely. I imagine though that Wasps will now be able to start making announcements as and when required - such as incoming players and coaches, our new venue and the like.

I'll be keeping an eye out on the fixture list and making sure that I have the home games pencilled in and maybe a couple of away games. Going down to Penzance sounds pretty decent.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 15, 2023, 05:31:02 PM
Grateful thanks to The Legends.  And thanks to all the posters who have kept us up to date, especially Neils.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: JF on February 15, 2023, 05:37:13 PM
Hats off to all concerned, I really was expecting a funeral and not a celebration.

Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: WonkyWasp on February 15, 2023, 05:40:02 PM
And humungous sympathy to Wuss.  ''Never give up.''
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Vespula Vulgaris on February 15, 2023, 05:41:59 PM
This is definitely good news. But I'm waiting to hear more before I can say this is my Wasps and not just a completely different entity with a shared logo.

Very disappointed we've heard nothing from the "club". How hard is it to knock out a few tweets?
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:43:18 PM
From the evolving Beeb siote -

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Wasps - currently without a home - will play in next season's Championship.

But, having first rejected Worcester Warriors' application to participate on 16 December, the RFU has also now confirmed that they will not take part.

This followed discussions with Warriors' new owners, the Atlas Group.

Following their departure from Coventry after going into administration, Wasps remain without a ground to play at.

A Wasps spokesperson said: "We remain in positive dialogue with the RFU and thank them for their continued support as we work to secure our future.

"Recent events have highlighted, more than ever, the importance of long-term sustainable investment.

"Our focus remains on stabilising the club financially and Wasps playing in the Championship next season."
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:44:10 PM
THey seem to have got somebody from Wasps to speak - maybe a comment on their site soon - please.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Andywasp50 on February 15, 2023, 05:49:48 PM
there's a statement on the offy now:https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/ (https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/)
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 05:52:20 PM
there's a statement on the offy now:https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/ (https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/)

That links to the December statement.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Andywasp50 on February 15, 2023, 06:05:35 PM
there's a statement on the offy now:https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/ (https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-confirm-return-for-202324-season/)

That links to the December statement.

Sorry, missed that in my excitement!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 15, 2023, 06:29:29 PM
Fuller BBC report -

Championship: RFU confirms Wasps' place for 2023-24 but not Worcester Warriors - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64623377
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: InBetweenWasp on February 15, 2023, 06:56:25 PM
You'd think that with all of the recent scrutiny, that the RFU might opt to go for full and complete transparency and share the 'plan' or details of the application that we've submitted.

A fairly cryptic (or perhaps i'm reading into it too much) Tweet from the Wasps Legends account:

Quote
We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with Wasps RFC & FC in creating a thriving community

Difficult for the Amateur Club and the new entity in RFC to work closely and collaboratively if they're 100 miles apart.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on February 15, 2023, 08:26:55 PM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: andermt on February 15, 2023, 08:28:38 PM
You'd think that with all of the recent scrutiny, that the RFU might opt to go for full and complete transparency and share the 'plan' or details of the application that we've submitted.

A fairly cryptic (or perhaps i'm reading into it too much) Tweet from the Wasps Legends account:

Quote
We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with Wasps RFC & FC in creating a thriving community

Difficult for the Amateur Club and the new entity in RFC to work closely and collaboratively if they're 100 miles apart.

They were working together before they went bust, all 3 teams had the same kit, ladies were training in Henley.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Shugs on February 15, 2023, 08:44:26 PM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
For me that narrows it down to CBS or Solihull. Sixways wouldn?t be shared. Still time for something left field here??
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 15, 2023, 09:01:06 PM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
For me that narrows it down to CBS or Solihull. Sixways wouldn?t be shared. Still time for something left field here??

Things will go up like napalm if its the CBSA.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: NellyWellyWaspy on February 15, 2023, 09:54:33 PM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
For me that narrows it down to CBS or Solihull. Sixways wouldn?t be shared. Still time for something left field here??

Could still be Sixways. Groundshare could mean football or another rugby team - Sixways Rugby (aka Stourbridge RFC First Team).
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: coddy on February 15, 2023, 09:59:45 PM
Well that's a great weight off my mind.

My heartfelt thanks goes to the Wasps Legends and the investors they persuaded to finance our clubs resurrection.

Bring on the new season.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Heathen on February 15, 2023, 10:33:16 PM
Pudsey is busy!!!!

https://twitter.com/WaspsKitMan/status/1625945187636617216

RPA statement :

https://twitter.com/theRPA/status/1625903987147915264

Personally, it's been a great relief to know that our beloved club lives to fight another day.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: westwaleswasp on February 16, 2023, 12:26:33 AM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
For me that narrows it down to CBS or Solihull. Sixways wouldn?t be shared. Still time for something left field here??

Things will go up like napalm if its the CBSA.

If it were the CBSA it would be bigger than Olena, 33, Ukraine in the adverts who is waiting for us to make contact.

It won't happen, for her or us. Solihull or Sixways.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 16, 2023, 08:41:44 AM
I wonder if we will see something from the new owners today? Maybe they will wait until clearance of playing surface is agreed early next week. It would be nice if there was a drip drip of positive moving forward news.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: jamestaylor002 on February 16, 2023, 09:11:20 AM
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.
For me that narrows it down to CBS or Solihull. Sixways wouldn?t be shared. Still time for something left field here??

Things will go up like napalm if its the CBSA.

If it were the CBSA it would be bigger than Olena, 33, Ukraine in the adverts who is waiting for us to make contact.

It won't happen, for her or us. Solihull or Sixways.

I hope Daria knows about Olena!
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: baldpaul101 on February 16, 2023, 10:09:39 AM
Quote
As part of proposals accepted by the sport's governing body, a groundshare agreement has been reached with a Midlands venue, which will be announced in the near future, to host its home games.

As someone else pointed out that was from the original website news item back in December. Nothing new has been posted
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 17, 2023, 11:08:19 AM
I do wish they would get rid of the "Happy New Year" tweet.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: baldpaul101 on February 17, 2023, 12:32:50 PM
I would presume that there is no one to keep the wbeiste/twitter etc up to date.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Neils on February 17, 2023, 12:51:48 PM
I would presume that there is no one to keep the wbeiste/twitter etc up to date.

They apparently paid all due funds on the Web presence to keep them live. Somebody put up the few posts to date so somebody can do it.
Title: Re: Judgement Day - or is it?
Post by: Vespula Vulgaris on February 17, 2023, 01:09:13 PM
I would presume that there is no one to keep the wbeiste/twitter etc up to date.

They apparently paid all due funds on the Web presence to keep them live. Somebody put up the few posts to date so somebody can do it.

That was just the hosting. Getting someone capable and willing to manage the back end of the site and the social media is another thing.