STATEMENT: Wasps announce plans to return next season, set to play at ex-Premier League stadium
10/10/2024 03:59 PM
Wasps could make a dramatic return to English rugby’s second tier after submitting a bid to join next season's expanded Championship.
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From glory to gloom – and now a glimmer of hope
The six-time Premiership champions entered administration in October 2022 with debts of £95m. However, the RFU has invited applications to join the revamped Championship, which will expand from 12 to 14 teams for the 2025/26 season.
“Buzzing” for the future
Owner Chris Holland expressed his optimism: “Our focus has always been on returning Wasps to a league that aligns with our values and allows us to compete at the highest level. Submitting our expression of interest for Tier 2 is a major step in our recovery.”
South-east dreams – home is where the hive is
Wasps, previously based in High Wycombe and Coventry, are eyeing a return to their heartland in the southeast, with plans to set up near Kent or Greater London.
A new nest at The Valley?
Initial reports suggest the team could ground-share with former Premier League football club Charlton Athletic at The Valley, southeast London, if their Championship bid succeeds. Though just outside Kent, Charlton's fanbase stretches into the county, where only Gillingham competes in the EFL.
Jonny Wilkinson named only four England teammates in his all-time dream team
Could you imagine having Jonah Lomu, Jason Robinson and Brian O’Driscoll all in the same team?`
Well that’s what England legend Jonny Wilkinson has done in naming his all-time dream team.
FRONT-ROW
1. Jason Leonard (England): He was seen by Wilkinson as "someone who inspired and brought energy to the game" with impact.
2. Keith Wood (Ireland): "You need someone here in this position who can bring you the set piece control but at the same time I think they need to be aggressive, be someone that runs hard, someone that doesn't stop, never gives up."
3. Craig Dowd (New Zealand): "As with all tight heads what you want is someone who doesn't take no for an answer, someone who is maybe a little quieter but someone you just don't mess with"
SECOND-ROW
4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa): “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth" and "at times he's exactly what a team needs."
5. Martin Johnson (England): "intelligent, another massive leader, gets himself around the park. My captain”
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