Wasps are reportedly set to make an offer to former fly-half Danny Cipriani to be the face of the new club when they return for the 2023/24 Championship season.
The 35-year-old, who is set to spend the first half of 2023 overseas in either Japan or the USA, could rejoin his former club as the marquee signing next summer according to RUCK sources.
Cipriani, who wore Wasps socks when representing the Barbarians over the weekend, is reportedly the clubs top target with Sir Ian McGeechan also set to be involved.
The fly-half ran out with his step Granddaughter Rosie as he represented the famous invitational side at Franklin’s Gardens.
Rosie is the oldest daughter of Cipriani’s wife Victoria’s daughter Jade.
A second-half hat-trick from Tom Collins helped Saints edge out Barbarian F.C. 45-39 in a thoroughly entertaining exhibition match.
It was the first time in history that Saints have played the Barbarians, with the game scheduled in place of the cancelled Gallagher Premiership match against Worcester Warriors.
Wasps future?
The two-time European champions have been suspended and will be relegated from the Gallagher Premiership after entering administration.
In better news, Wasps’ joint administrators confirmed that an offer has been accepted from a consortium including members of the Wasps Legends.
FRP Advisory, the joint administrators of Wasps Holdings Limited, confirmed last month that, subject to contract, an offer has been accepted for both the men’s rugby team and its accompanying academy.
That offer was made by a consortium comprising members of the Wasps Legends, a charity foundation that is linked to the club. The group expect to hire a number of senior coaching staff in the coming days “with the aim of building a squad capable of competing at the top level next season”.
Andrew Sheridan, Joint Administrator and Partner at FRP Advisory, said: “The consortium knows that it still has to meet all of the RFU requirements, including the fit and proper owners test and the presentation of a 3-5 year business plan with supporting robust financial forecasts, and that this needs to completed as soon as is practical in order to be in a position to play next season.
“However, this deal is a significant step forward, and one that we all hope will allow Wasps Rugby to live on.
“We have informed the RFU about this development and the consortium is fully aware of the rugby creditors rules as set out in Regulation 5 by the RFU. We understand that the consortium will seek to work with the RFU, the RPA and their members to reach a reasonable conclusion on those matters.”
Four city shortlist for Wasps, Phil Vickery picks ‘brilliant’ new home
#1. London
Former Wasps prop Phil Vickery believes the club must leave Coventry and return to London.
He is part of a consortium of former Wasps players trying to buy the men’s team and the academy.
“To see Wasps come back to London would be awesome,” Vickery told Sky Sports News.
“I associate Wasps with London, but it’s easier said than done. They’ve tried for years to get the opportunity to do that.
“Yes, it would be brilliant – but let’s focus on getting the club up and running.”
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