Wasps 'need investment to avoid administration'

 

Alex Lowe
Tuesday 10 April 2012 23:37 BST
Comments
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is trying to avoid relegation
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young is trying to avoid relegation (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wasps are in grave danger of going into administration unless they can attract new investment by the end of the Premiership season, following the collapse of takeover talks. The club have been looking for a new owner since July of last year, when Wycombe District Council withdrew its support for the construction of a new stadium.

Wasps were close to completing a takeover last week but that arrangement has fallen through, leaving the club in a precarious financial position. It is understood that Wasps have enough funding to see them through the next month, in which they will seek to avoid relegation, but need urgent investment to remain in business beyond May.

A club statement said: "The board is disappointed to confirm that negotiations, which had been leading towards an imminent takeover, have stalled. The board, having taken independent advice, is able to confirm that London Wasps Holdings Limited remains nevertheless a going concern.

"However, the board acknowledges the urgency of the current situation surrounding the club. There are ongoing active discussions with other potential investors but the club is seeking, using all best endeavours, further expressions of interest."

It is understood the collapse of the takeover bid was due to funding issues with the potential investor. It emerged last week that Wasps' current owner, Steve Hayes, had been arrested and bailed as part of Scotland Yard's computer-hacking investigation.

The club chairman, Mark Rigby, said: "London Wasps has a long and successful history and is one of the best known brands in the game and the board is convinced that the right backer exists. With a great squad in place and the excellent [director of rugby] Dai Young at the helm, we believe we are set to make a strong impact next season. Time is however short and we urgently need a new investor or consortium to back this belief."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in