Wasps chairman confident of new ownership in weeks

Wasps chairman Mark Rigby believes the cash-strapped Aviva Premiership club could be under new ownership in a matter of weeks.

Talks are at an advanced stage with a consortium believed to be headed by former Wasps player Ken Moss, who has made millions from the IT industry.

It is understood the group includes people with considerable sports commercial expertise, while a new stadium site has been identified close to the M40 just ten minutes from Wasps’ existing Adams Park home in Wycombe.

Wasps, European champions in 2004 and 2007, faced the serious prospect of going into administration unless a buyer could be found.

But having secured their Premiership status, despite losing 14-10 at home to bottom club Newcastle on Saturday, the immediate future looks a whole lot brighter than it might have done.

“The position with regards to the sale of the club is that terms are agreed, solicitors are instructed and we have entered into a period of exclusivity,” Rigby said. “We are now thrashing through the finer detail. As ever with a transaction of this type, there is always lots of detail to go through.

“I am pretty confident, particularly after securing Premiership rugby for next season, that the deal is firmly on track. I hope to see it concluded by the end of May.

“It is much easier having a discussion with a consortium when you can confirm you will be playing Premiership rugby next season. It is a major positive.

“At this stage, I am most interested in the sale of the club, rather than the business plan upon which they are buying the club. The business plan is there.

“I am just keen to ensure the club has a positive financial future.”

Rigby also paid tribute to Wasps rugby director David Young, whose perseverance amid an injury-ravaged campaign reaped its reward on survival Saturday.

“What we have been really pleased with has been Dai Young’s contribution in keeping the squad pointing forward in a very positive way while this cloud of uncertainty over ownership has hung over the club,” Rigby said.

Wasps arrivals this summer will include England internationals Tom Palmer and James Haskell, who are returning to the club, Wales’ most capped player Stephen Jones and South African Ashley Johnson.