Always a Wasp
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76
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Shaun Edwards on Telegraph Rugby Podcast
« on: December 05, 2022, 11:06:00 AM »Eddie tweaked a little to turn Bomber's lads into Slam champs. This lot have potential, for sure.
This is the most irritating thing about the entire situation. We have the talent, the money, the backing and yet we're a shambles where neither fans nor pundits can see what we're trying to do, or any evidence of genuine progression since that 2019 semi-final.
None of the players ever come out and try to suggest what they were actually trying to do, just how/where they got beaten which is largely blindingly obvious.
77
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Our former tenants
« on: December 05, 2022, 10:59:40 AM »
That is a pretty sh*tty scenario for them. SBT isn't really representative of their fan base as a whole.
Having been through what we've been through, i'd like to say it's amusing, but exasperating. Neither the Playing Squad and Support Staff nor the Fans deserve that merry go round.
I couldn't listen to the BBC Radio excerpt, but what's the reason for the eviction? - Is it a ploy to get more money in rent or plans to change the purpose of the stadium and so therefore no pitch to play on?
Having been through what we've been through, i'd like to say it's amusing, but exasperating. Neither the Playing Squad and Support Staff nor the Fans deserve that merry go round.
I couldn't listen to the BBC Radio excerpt, but what's the reason for the eviction? - Is it a ploy to get more money in rent or plans to change the purpose of the stadium and so therefore no pitch to play on?
78
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Exeter Hotel purchased by....Exeter owner!
« on: December 02, 2022, 11:24:08 AM »nobody should pretend Exeter are anything other than a club backed by a rich bloke who wants a rugby club as his plaything
That feels a bit harsh on Rowe. I see him more as a Duckworth Character than, say, Bruce Craig. Rowe seems genuinely passionate about Chiefs and Rugby (and certainly more involved) than Craig.
79
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Exeter Hotel purchased by....Exeter owner!
« on: December 02, 2022, 10:16:06 AM »
The houlier than thou Chiefs fans were quick to suggest that other fans are envious, but I think the cynicism comes from the outward projection that Chiefs are the only financially sustainable club in the premiership and all clubs should be like them when it appears that Tony Rowe is the main facilitator of their financial stability through the old sponsorship by SWComms and the Hotel purchase.
80
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: November 30, 2022, 11:39:08 AM »A report yesterday on the Skulls Wasps Facebook Group that the Administrators have completed the Sale of Wasps, now pending the Fit & Proper Person test for the new owners before the change is formally recognised on Companies House.
ETA: Just clocked this info on the snippets thread
Let's hope we don't hit the delay Worcester have had to ask for an extension.
Is the Warriors situation different? They haven't finalised a bid to be accepted/rejected. Whereas the report above suggests a sale has been completed?
81
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: November 30, 2022, 11:19:34 AM »
A report yesterday on the Skulls Wasps Facebook Group that the Administrators have completed the Sale of Wasps, now pending the Fit & Proper Person test for the new owners before the change is formally recognised on Companies House.
ETA: Just clocked this info on the snippets thread
ETA: Just clocked this info on the snippets thread
82
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: England
« on: November 28, 2022, 03:09:52 PM »
I actually think are only real problem position is 12. We have play Farrell or Smith - not both - then have Slade, Lawrence and Daly to pick from at 13.
Broadly speaking, if we play people in their preferred positions we’ve got a good enough squad. I’d jettison Hill as he brings more curses than cures. Joe’s maul-defence is a real differentiator, but I’d happily have Ribbans playing in Hill’s place.
Back row has bags of talent, we just need to find the balance. I’d like to see Jack for his ability to win turnovers again as a huge differentiator. Earl has been tearing up trees and is perhaps the best bench option. Simmonds still isn’t impressing me much. He’s a bit of an all-rounder. Do you stick with Billy at 8, Dombrant? Or go something like Jack, Curry, Earl as a 6,7,8? - Perhaps a bit lightweight.
In the backs, we’re stocked with healthy talent at 9, 10, 13 and on the Wing. Steward looks great at FB but then who do you play if he’s injured - Daly, or Watson or a wildcard like Arundell?
I think a coach that doesn’t exhaust them in training so much and a bit more free-thinking. Gats would fit short-term, but think he’ll end up back in Wales for the RWC although not sure how well that might work out.
Having listened to Jim and Goodey on The Rugby Pod the other week, if we could land Scott Robertson I’d be on-board with that for the RWC and let Eddie go early.
Broadly speaking, if we play people in their preferred positions we’ve got a good enough squad. I’d jettison Hill as he brings more curses than cures. Joe’s maul-defence is a real differentiator, but I’d happily have Ribbans playing in Hill’s place.
Back row has bags of talent, we just need to find the balance. I’d like to see Jack for his ability to win turnovers again as a huge differentiator. Earl has been tearing up trees and is perhaps the best bench option. Simmonds still isn’t impressing me much. He’s a bit of an all-rounder. Do you stick with Billy at 8, Dombrant? Or go something like Jack, Curry, Earl as a 6,7,8? - Perhaps a bit lightweight.
In the backs, we’re stocked with healthy talent at 9, 10, 13 and on the Wing. Steward looks great at FB but then who do you play if he’s injured - Daly, or Watson or a wildcard like Arundell?
I think a coach that doesn’t exhaust them in training so much and a bit more free-thinking. Gats would fit short-term, but think he’ll end up back in Wales for the RWC although not sure how well that might work out.
Having listened to Jim and Goodey on The Rugby Pod the other week, if we could land Scott Robertson I’d be on-board with that for the RWC and let Eddie go early.
83
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Wasps & Worcester Warriors: MPs to hold 'inquiry' with English rugby's governing
« on: November 25, 2022, 10:17:43 AM »The 14 to 10 clubs and reduction in matches a season makes zero sense unless the clubs, PRL and RFU think fans are willing to pay even higher ticket prices, but with attendances down pretty much across the league in recent years that just isn't going to happen, therefore they are taking the revenue from 4 home games off the clubs, that is a reduction in over 30% of their matchday revenue. With everyone losing money already, that is one of the most ridiculous ideas I have heard.
It's not as simple as saying it's a 30% reduction in income. Assuming fans inc STH pay the same (most STH I know and sit around tend to 'miss' 2-3 games per season anyway due to Holidays, Family Events, Internationals etc...) so likely to mean:
- If ST pricing remains flat that means an increase in ST revenue per game
- Reduction in squad sizes as fewer games and therefore lower attrition (esp with international breaks if they come in)
- Reduced salary cap supporting the above
- Reduction in opex/costs for running stadia per season
- Increase in avg attendance per game as people more willing to commit rather than avoid coming to games during internationals, or when international players are likely rested
I don't think the economics would be as bad as is being suggested on here and that there's a good chance they'll be more sound than at present. More people would be prepared to watch fewer more competitive games therefore increasing TV rights over time. More games just dilutes the whole competition. Currently, we have 9 weekends of the domestic season taken up by International games. Plus you have the rest periods bracketing those.
More games would mean:
- More mismatches where some players are rested vs other teams who have access to the full squad (i.e. Quins v Sarries which should have been a belter of a game but Sarries had full XV and Quins missing Smith)
- More ambivalence towards going as casual fans can't predict when they'll see the 'star' players
- Higher operating costs
- Higher salary costs are more players needed; either as injury dispensation or more players to be able to fulfill the higher number of games
84
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: November 21, 2022, 07:44:46 PM »It can't expand to two French style leagues. The fans are not there.
Twickenham virtually sells-out every International game, despite the highest ever ticket prices and a team lately playing some pretty uninspiring rugby. Big Game has 50k+ every game (into it's 14th year now I think). Falcons played at St James park in 2018 (I think it was) and got a 30k+ attendance. We got spanked at Twickenham by Bath for the St Georges Day game with nearly 40k attending. Irish sell out their St Patricks Day game every year.
These aren’t the same sets of supporters creating these big crowds. In fact, i'd argue that very few 'Club' fans would go to one of these games if their team wasn't playing in it.
So I think broadly speaking, the numbers/underlying interest is there across the country.
The big question is how do you convert the more casual fans into fans that come to multiple games per season, or buy a Season Ticket?
In reality, the teams that need a decent uplift in bums-in-seats are (were) us, Warriors, Falcons, Sharks and Irish. A relatively small uplift for the rest would see constant sell-outs, or the ability to increase stadia to cope with an uplift.
85
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: November 21, 2022, 10:54:16 AM »
There is some optimism amongst some of the staff and players hoping to be involved in whatever form the Legends bid might revive Wasps into. Likely to be more news in 4 weeks or so, until there's news either way.
By all accounts, the execs at PRL don't see the future as simply a 10-Team Prem and are investing time and energy looking at how best they could create 2x competitive divisions, to ultimately expand top-flight rugby in England.
I'm assuming that the RFU would be supportive of this, as it would take away the RFU having to fund the league (which they're already actively seeking to reduce as it is)
By all accounts, the execs at PRL don't see the future as simply a 10-Team Prem and are investing time and energy looking at how best they could create 2x competitive divisions, to ultimately expand top-flight rugby in England.
I'm assuming that the RFU would be supportive of this, as it would take away the RFU having to fund the league (which they're already actively seeking to reduce as it is)
86
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Could have been different
« on: November 12, 2022, 10:06:11 AM »I've spoken to Derek since the club went into administrationFeel free to not disclose VV but I take it his involvement in Wasps is basically at an end from his point of view? Mention of a former owner being involved did come up in terms of “the rescue party”.
and I've never heard him sound so upset. He's always been a lovely, upbeat, and positive chap, with a genuine love for Rugby in general and Wasps in particular. To imply, as this article does, that he was happy to see the club go under because of a personal grudge is absolutely obscene. As things stand he is out of pocket by a vast amount of money.
If he says that there was nothing about this that suggested it was a genuine and compelling offer then that's good enough for me.
I'd love to know who on the board it was that decided that this was a story that should be in the papers.
I didn't ask. I try not to put him in an awkward position by asking questions he's not able to answer. If he is involved we'll find out I'm sure. My gut says probably not though.
Its via a (trusted) third party and I can't disclose who (so make of it what you will) but my understanding he's in no way part of the current bid from the Legends + Chris Holland.
87
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Season ticket/Hospitality Package holders
« on: November 12, 2022, 10:02:15 AM »
Monzo still giving it the ‘computer-says-no’ response and telling me there’s 41 days for the Merchant to respond and they can’t do anything about it.
I’ve asked them how/why both Lloyds and CapitalOne have already refunded and they also use Mastercard as their provider.
I’ve also asked what possible response are they expecting from Wasps/FRP other than they won’t be fulfilling any more fixtures as they’re suspended from the league, as well as having no players, coaching staff and almost zero back office staff. It’s been escalated, apparently to someone who can give a straightforward answer beyond ‘sorry, we can’t help’
I’ve asked them how/why both Lloyds and CapitalOne have already refunded and they also use Mastercard as their provider.
I’ve also asked what possible response are they expecting from Wasps/FRP other than they won’t be fulfilling any more fixtures as they’re suspended from the league, as well as having no players, coaching staff and almost zero back office staff. It’s been escalated, apparently to someone who can give a straightforward answer beyond ‘sorry, we can’t help’
88
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: EXETER CHIEFS to sell non rugby asset
« on: November 07, 2022, 09:56:59 AM »
As someone who was confident all would be sorted for us and turned out to be wrong, this reads pretty seriously.
What's interesting is that there seems to have been a change in tone from Chiefs with their press release, from essentially Baxter saying that Clubs need to have responsibility for their finances and if they fail then tough (not his words, but his gist) to COVID hit them hard, there wasn't enough (financial) support and even with furlough scheme, there was a large outlay without income. This forced them to have to take Government loans, which they're now struggling to repay and so need to sell an otherwise income-generating asset to pay off the loan.
The point is also made that had they known about COVID, they wouldn't have spent the CVC money on the Hotel. Was the stand expansion part of the same project (is the hotel under the stand that was increased?)
For a long time, they've been heralded as the only profitable Club in the Premiership (Although it still remains to be seen whether the SWComms sponsorship was at a broadly similar rate as the rest of the Prem or was an inflated figure) needs/wants to forgo an income stream to pay off a Government loan is a worrying signal.
I'm not sure what the terms were for the Government loans - but looking at the following link they were 10 year loans at 2% interest, with an initial 2 year payment holiday and the loan repayable over the following 8 years:
https://www.sportengland.org/news/more-details-given-sport-winter-survival-package
What's interesting is that there seems to have been a change in tone from Chiefs with their press release, from essentially Baxter saying that Clubs need to have responsibility for their finances and if they fail then tough (not his words, but his gist) to COVID hit them hard, there wasn't enough (financial) support and even with furlough scheme, there was a large outlay without income. This forced them to have to take Government loans, which they're now struggling to repay and so need to sell an otherwise income-generating asset to pay off the loan.
The point is also made that had they known about COVID, they wouldn't have spent the CVC money on the Hotel. Was the stand expansion part of the same project (is the hotel under the stand that was increased?)
For a long time, they've been heralded as the only profitable Club in the Premiership (Although it still remains to be seen whether the SWComms sponsorship was at a broadly similar rate as the rest of the Prem or was an inflated figure) needs/wants to forgo an income stream to pay off a Government loan is a worrying signal.
I'm not sure what the terms were for the Government loans - but looking at the following link they were 10 year loans at 2% interest, with an initial 2 year payment holiday and the loan repayable over the following 8 years:
https://www.sportengland.org/news/more-details-given-sport-winter-survival-package
89
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Season ticket/Hospitality Package holders
« on: November 03, 2022, 01:54:04 PM »
Got the parking back via Captial One (or at least confirmation it will hit back onto the account within 48 hours).
Monzo contacted the merchant on 31st October, so despite their lengthy 'max' time projection of early March to resolve, hopefully they'll be equally as quick.
Monzo contacted the merchant on 31st October, so despite their lengthy 'max' time projection of early March to resolve, hopefully they'll be equally as quick.
90
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Hope?
« on: November 03, 2022, 11:43:03 AM »
I think that if we survive and have a season in The Championship we'll be playing at the EPIC with the CBS as a fallback option to move to if we got promoted.