Wasps are on track to relaunch in the south east after securing land in Kent as a site to build their new stadium. The former Premiership giants went into administration with debts of more than £95 million two years ago but last month applied for entry into the new Tier 2 competition, which will replace the Championship in 2024-25.
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By acquiring the site in Swanley on a 10-year option, Wasps are hoping to attract interest in a rugby heartland that does not have a Premiership team. The twice European champions’ ultimate aim is to return to the top flight.
“It’s very rewarding that we have managed to achieve this milestone with the support of key stakeholders,” Wasps’ owner, Christopher Holland, said in a statement. “It brings our aspiration of a new home in the region closer and hopefully demonstrates our determination to recover Wasps sustainably.”
All teams hoping to play in Tier 2, which is being enlarged by two to a 14-side league, must prove their financial viability, including the funds to pay off rugby creditors, as well as meet minimum operating standards.
A prospective move to Kent would make a fourth home for the storied English club, who played most of their 157-year history in London, before moving to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014. Wasps are one of three leading clubs, alongside Worcester Warriors and London Irish, who have collapsed recently.
