Wasps apply for place in expanded Championship

Wasps could be resurrected in the second tier of English rugby after they applied for a place in next season's expanded Championship.

The six-time English champions went into administration in October 2022 with debts of £95m.

However the Rugby Football Union has invited bids to join a new second tier, expanded from 12 to 14 teams, from next season.

"Our efforts have always been focused on returning Wasps to a league that shares our values and to be able to compete at the highest level," said owner Chris Holland.

"Submitting our expression of interest for Tier 2 is a key milestone in our recovery."

Wasps, who were based in High Wycombe and latterly Coventry before their demise, aim to restart the club in the south east, with a focus on returning close to their traditional home in Kent or Greater London.

Holland has told the BBC they "have been working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful transition to our new home".

Wasps are also looking for a new competition to return to the women's game. They completed the 2022-2023 campaign in the top-tier Premiership Women's Rugby before stepping out of the elite.

Holland also owns Worcester Warriors, who are set to submit their own bid for a place in the men's Championship, while the prospective owner of London Irish - the third top-flight club to go out of business in the 2022-2023 campaign - says he has also entered the club into the process.

The possibility of promotion to the top-tier Premiership from the Championship returns this season, with the Championship winners set to take on the Premiership's bottom club in a two-legged play-off, provided they meet various entry criteria.