Wasps, who are currently without a home, have been confirmed by the Rugby Football Union to play in the Championship for the next season.
However, the RFU had previously rejected the application of Worcester Warriors to participate on December 16, and now it has been confirmed that they will not be taking part in the Championship either.
A Wasps spokesperson said: "We remain in positive dialogue with the RFU and thank them for their continued support as we work to secure our future.
"Recent events have highlighted, more than ever, the importance of long-term sustainable investment.
"Our focus remains on stabilising the club financially and Wasps playing in the Championship next season."
5 players Wasps should target:
#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
#2. Danny Cipriani
A third spell at his boyhood club has been mooted with Cipriani being the face of the clubs latest reincarnation.
“I’m just keeping it fit and enjoying my training,” revealed Cipriani, who admitted a return to rugby is nowhere near to Rugby Pass.
“I think the best part at the moment is your whole career you’re told how to train, what to do, and so on and so.
’m away from that, I’ve enjoyed my fitness, my movement more than ever. It’s really enjoyable. Playing lots of football.
“I also feel my best rugby could be in front of me,” said the 35-year-old. “Or I might never play again. And physically, I feel world-class.”
Cipriani, who has played for Wasps, Melbourne Rebels, Sale Sharks, Gloucester, and Bath, announced he is currently participating in informal training sessions with England’s Jonny Wilkinson.
Likelihood: 5/10
Danny Cipriani of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground on 5 March 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Mike Brown
The former England fullback recently signed with Leicester Tigers until the end of the season.
Brown joined the Tigers after previously playing for Harlequins, where he won two Premiership titles, and most recently Newcastle Falcons in the top flight.
He said when signing earlier this month: “I still believe I have a part to play in the game. I didn’t believe it was my time to stop because I felt good and I still feel good.
“I have been staying fit, wanting to be ready and not just hanging on to hope but being best prepared if it did.”
The vastly experienced full-back has made 72 Test appearances for England and featured in three Six Nations title-winning campaigns for the national team.
Despite now being 37, Brown has indicated he is keen to play on as long as possible and could be another marquee signing for the new ownership to consider.
Likelihood: 8/10
Mike Brown of Harlequins celebrates with the trophy on his final day as a Harlequin during the Gallagher Premiership Cup Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium June 26, 2021 in London, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Chris Ashton
Another current Tiger who is out of contract in the summer, Ashton has continued to perform at the top level.
He moved to Welford Road from Worcester Warriors having previously represented fellow Gallagher Premiership clubs Harlequins, Sale Sharks, Saracens and Northampton Saints, as well as a season with Toulon in the French Top14 league.
During his year in France, he broke the record for tries scored in a single season with 24 tries in 23 appearances
He is the leading try-scorer in European Champions Cup history with 40 and third on the all-time list for tries scored in Premiership Rugby with 89.
Ashton made his professional rugby league debut for Wigan Warriors as an 18-year-old, scoring two tries in his first appearance, before going on to make more than 50 appearances for the Super League club.
He represented England in rugby league on two occasions before making the switch to rugby union in 2007 and, in 2010, Ashton made his Test debut for England in the Six Nations.
A two-time Premiership and European Champions Cup winner, Ashton has 44 Test caps and 20 tries for England.
Likelihood: 6/10
Jack Goodhue of New Zealand is held in the tackle by Maro Itoje of England and Chris Ashton of England during the Quilter International Match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 10th November 2018. - PHOTO: Gareth Davies/PPAUK
#5. Christian Wade
Wade signed for Top 14 side Racing 92 until the end of the season late in 2022.
The 31-year-old had been a free agent since being released by the Buffalo Bills after spending three years with the NFL side having quit rugby union and Wasps in 2018
He became a viral sensation after scoring a touchdown with his first touch of the ball in a 2019 pre-season game.
Wade is third in the list of all-time try scorers in the Premiership with 82 tries but has only earned one cap for England, back in 2013, and that is believed to be a big factor in his decision to leave rugby union.
A return to Wasps is unlikely at this stage as Wade seems to be keen to play at the highest level for a few seasons yet. Wouldn't rule it out long-term though.
Likelihood: 5/10
Christian Wade of England (Wasps) who scored 3 tries against Barbarians - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England v Barbarians - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.
