Phoenix clubs locked in madhouse

THE RFU decision to invite expressions of interest from the three “Phoenix clubs” – Wasps, Worcester, and London Irish – to join Tier 2 next season just two years after they went into liquidation owing massive debts, is being pilloried by many English rugby followers.

The comment made to me this week that “morally it is indefensible” nailed it – and anger is growing at what is perceived as RFU double standards, following reports all three clubs have declared their interest in joining the Tier 2 league. This stems from the RFU completely contradicting its policy towards four previous Premiership and Championship clubs who have gone into administration.

Richmond and London Scottish (1999), and London Welsh (2017), were relegated to the bottom of the league pyramid under regulations enforced by the governing body. Asimilar sanction was given to Jersey in 2023 after they went into liquidation five months after winning the Championship title.

Their financial infractions were minor compared to Wasps, Worcester, and London Irish, who collapsed with debts totalling around £160m in 2022, including around £35m in unrepaid DCMS Covid loans funded by taxpayers. Wasps accumulated £95m of that, including £27.8m in losses for Wasps bondholders, and more bad blood from local firms in Coventry being owed £500,000. Yet, all three are being courted by the RFU to join the second highest league in the country only 24 months later, despite having no players, no grounds, and no clear infrastructure.

There is the added entanglement of Worcester and Wasps having the same owner, Chris Holland, and there being plans for Wasps to play at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley. This, despite the ground-share model having previously ended in costly failure, and been a contributory factor in both Wasps and London Irish going bankrupt.

What a madhouse.