Sport

Wasps Women will continue to play in Allianz Premier 15s despite Wasps RFC entering administration

Wasps Women released the latest update to the club’s administration saga yesterday.

The Acton-based team announced that the club’s registration with the RFU is unaffected by the insolvency of Wasps Men – Wasps RFC.

LJ Lewis’ side will continue to participate in the Allianz Premier 15s, England’s top flight of domestic women’s rugby.

In a statement, Wasps Women said: “From a legal and governance point of view, our club and Wasps RFC are separate entities.

“Wasps RFC provided valuable joint funding to Wasps Women.

“We will concentrate all immediate efforts on tailoring new funding to continue our high-performance environment at our West London base.”

The club, who boast England international Abby Dow, also stated their Allianz Cup fixture against Bristol Bears this weekend will be postponed, saying: “we have prioritised a need to re-build foundations above travel to this eagerly awaited fixture”.

This comes as Wasps Holdings Limited, the holding company for Wasps Men and Women, ceased trading and entered administration on Monday, making 167 staff and players redundant.

Wasps Men follow Worcester Warriors to become the second club this season to be suspended from the Gallagher Premiership due to a lack of financial viability.

Andrew Sheridan and Raj Mittal have since been appointed Joint Administrators of Wasps Holdings Limited.

The RFU have said: “The RFU is also working with the administrators, the management of the Wasps women’s team and with Wasps FC to find the best way for the women’s team to continue to play in the Allianz Premier 15s.”

Attempts to keep Worcester Warriors Women in the league at the end of last month were unsuccessful as they were included with their male counterparts in the RFU’s suspension of Worcester from all competitions.

In response to the ongoing financial issues faced by many teams, the Women’s Rugby Association stated: “It is a deeply unsettling time for elite domestic rugby in England.

“The WRA exists to support all players in the Allianz Premier 15s competition.”

With the postponement of their fixture against Bristol Bears this weekend, Wasps are due to face Saracens on Saturday 29th October in round five of the Allianz Cup at Twyford Avenue. 

Featured image credit: Pixabay

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