RFU rejects appeals from Wasps and Worcester over Premiership relegation

The Rugby Football Union has rejected ‘no fault insolvency’ appeals from Wasps and Worcester.

The decision means both the clubs will be featuring in the second tier Championship competition in the 2023/24 season, should they be able to reform following administration.

The administrators from Wasps Holdings Limited and WRFC Trading Limited filed the appeal with a hope to remain in the Premiership citing the pandemic coronavirus as a reason for their financial collapse.

Nevertheless, the England board stated that he club provided “insufficient evidence” to conclude there was no fault on the club’s part.

“We are all deeply concerned by the insolvency of Worcester Warriors and Wasps rugby clubs," said RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

“We appreciate this decision will be disappointing for the clubs and their fans, but it is clear from the club financial viability group’s investigation that there were factors beyond Covid that resulted in the clubs entering insolvency.

“This has reinforced the need for greater financial transparency between clubs, Premiership Rugby and the RFU to enable both organisations to have better visibility of how these businesses are run.

“We are already working on plans with Premiership Rugby to explore how to improve the structure, governance and business model of rugby union in England and support the clubs in becoming more sustainable.”

The clubs can now appeal to an independent panel.