The story of Wasps and Worcester Warriors has taken a new turn as Wasps’ owner, Chris Holland, has loaned an undisclosed amount of money to the new owners of Sixways Stadium as part of a three-year agreement for Wasps to play there.
Sixways was previously the home ground of Worcester Warriors, who went into administration earlier this season. Wasps’ use of the stadium is subject to approval from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the lease has yet to be signed.
However, a debenture between Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Ltd and Loxwood Holdings, a company owned by Holland, has been registered at Companies House.
Wasps also have Solihull Moors FC as an alternative stadium option, but they still need to overcome financial hurdles and meet RFU regulations, including paying rugby creditors.
Additionally, below are five potential high-profile signings that Wasps could make ahead of their return to rugby.
#1. Joe Simpson
The recently retired scrum-half hung up his boots recently, but has been tempted out of retirement to play for his boyhood club Old Priorians.
Some reports suggest this is the playmaker keeping himself in good shape to rejoin Wasps in the Championship next season.
Simpson – who made 230 appearances for Wasps in the Premiership (along with spells for Gloucester, Bath and Sale) and played for England at the 2011 World Cup – retired from the professional game in December 2022 and follows his brother Michael in pulling on the OPs shirt.
Looking ahead to his debut, Simpson told the club website: “‘It’s great to be back playing at Perivale – St Benedict’s was a big part of my life and I’m looking forward to having a run out with some of the lads I’ve grown up with.’
Likelihood: 7/10
