REPORT: Wasps could return to London as part of shock merger
Rugby NewsSunday, 16 October 2022 at 09:11
Neil Fissler from The Rugby Paper has revealed there could be a shock merger between two Gallagher Premiership clubs.
He wrote in this weekend's edition: "Wasps could be set to leave Coventry and make a return to their traditional home in London as part of a potential merger with London Irish.
"A party looking to buy financially stricken Wasps have held tentative discussions about also buying the Exiles, who have been put up for sale by owner Mick Crossan."
Irish owner Crossan, who has revealed he would sell the club for a pound, fears the Exiles will become the next side to enter administration.
"If anyone's looking to buy a rugby club with its own training ground and P shares then they don't even have to buy it"' said Crossan.
He added: "I'll give it to them as long as they fund it.
"When I got involved, my motive was to keep London Irish as a club. Otherwise they could have ended up becoming Swindon Irish. They're back in the heartland of London now, so I've done what I set out to do and hopefully secured the future of the club.
"If someone wants to take the mantle over then they're more than welcome. There's a good deal to be done. We want someone genuine with good governance. It's not about money. It's about continuity.
"For me, at my age, it's most probably the right time for me to say that I've done what I set out to do. I think I've done my bit. The club is on a good footing, with a great academy."
PREMIERSHIP CLUBS RANKED BY TOTAL DEBT:
#13. Exeter Chiefs - £13m
#12. Gloucester - £27m
#11. Northampton Saints £26.5m
#10. Worcester Warriors - £26.5m
Worcester Warriors flags fly in support of the club as they go through difficult times. during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Worcester Warriors and Exeter Chiefs at Sixways on 18 Sept 2022 Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#9. Sale Sharks - £30.9m
#8. Leicester Tigers - £31m
Guy Porter of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Semi Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on 11 June. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#7. Harlequins - £33.7m
#6. London Irish - £37.5m
#5. Bath - £37.3m
#4. Newcastle Falcons - £39m
#3. Saracens - £40.8m
#3. Bristol Bears - £51.2m
#1. Wasps - £112.3m
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