Wasps denied a place in Championship after failing to meet conditions set by the RFU by their deadline

The Rugby Football Union has withdrawn its offer to allow Wasps to play in the Championship next season.

After going into administration and subsequently suffering relegation from the Premiership, the club was provided with a route into England’s second tier, provided they met certain conditions under new owners HALO22Limited.

When the license was approved in December, a deadline was issued by which time they had to show they could meet the necessary commitments, but that time has now passed.

An RFU statement said the commitments included: “evidencing payment to rugby creditors and putting in place suitable governance structures including a majority independent board and a process for managing risk.”

“The RFU was also concerned about the lack of progress engaging coaching staff and players.”

“The club stated that it could not meet these commitments, recommit to participating in the Championship in 2023-24 or engage staff of players until further finance was secured.”

Wasps will now be positioned “at the bottom of the playing pyramid” in English rugby which will see them participate in the 10th tier.

A statement from the club said: “we have continually reminded the RFU that we would not repeat the mistakes of the past by allowing a single point of failure, and that we would not commit to any employment or contract unless we were sure that we would be able to fund the expenditure for the season.”

They go on to concede: “Whilst the investment interest continues, we regret to say that the current start of rugby finances the lack of clarity on the league structure and concerns over promotion has caused the investor group to remain silent and fatigued.”

Wasps’ initial application to return to professional rugby next season was originally given the green light on the same day fellow troubled club Worcester had their request rejected.

Worcester’s future does now look brighter with the sale of the club to the Atlas Group being completed in May, although they have had their own problems satisfying the RFU’s financial credentials.

Speaking of the decision to withdraw the license for Wasps’ return, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “This is not the outcome anyone in rugby wanted and all those involved with the club will be deeply disappointed.”

“We have worked with the new owners for the past six months to try to ensure that a robust plan could be put in place for the club to continue to play in the Championship while players and staff could receive monies owed to them.”

“The RFU is working closely in partnership with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association to ensure players are supported. We are also working together at pace to ensure the game emerges from this challenging time on a strong and sound financial footing”, Sweeney said.