Wasps at Sixways: Worcester owners say agreement in principle struck to play there next season
- Published
BBC Hereford & Worcester's Andrew Easton hosted the meeting of Atlas Group's two co-owners and their lawyer with Warriors fans
New Worcester Warriors owners Atlas now say there is agreement in principle for Wasps to play at Sixways next season.
At a sold-out fans forum at Sixways, Atlas also revealed that, following widespread complaints, they have dropped their plan to change Warriors' name and rebrand as Sixways Rugby.
Atlas had already suggested they would bow to pressure but it is now confirmed that Worcester will remain as Warriors.
Exactly what level Warriors will play at next season is yet to be decided.
Co-owners Jim O'Toole and James Sandford have already announced plans to merge with National League Two West neighbours Stourbridge, two levels below the Championship - in which Wasps will play next season.
Stourbridge are currently bottom of their league and in danger of dropping into the regional leagues next season - into the fifth tier of the English pyramid.
But the Stourbridge tie-up is only subject to being agreed by their club's members - and that vote is yet to take place.
Atlas also announced Warriors Women have a new five-year agreement to remain at Sixways to play their Premier 15s games.
Non-league football side Worcester Raiders, who also currently play there, are expected to also continue to use the artificial surface - and are understood to be keen on switching games to a Friday night.
Wasps at Sixways
Wasps already have a training base at Henley-in-Arden, which was not part of the club that went into administration in October 2022.
It had actually been bought in August 2022 by Chris Holland, who then became Wasps' new owner four months later, on behalf of one of his companies, HALO22 Limited.
The Worcester owners expect them to both train and play at Sixways. They also told the 550-strong meeting that Warriors should benefit from some of their additional squad players.
In response to a question of whether the fans would be expected to support Wasps, O'Toole said: "I'd like you to watch Wasps and support Worcester Warriors.
He also confirmed that the Wasps logo would be at Sixways, although not replacing the Worcester one.
Following the lunchtime meeting, Wasps said on Twitter that no final decision has yet been made on moving to Worcester, having also been in talks with non-league football side Solihull Moors.
"Despite recent speculation, Wasps can confirm no agreement has been signed with any stadium and remain in discussions with potential venues.
"No agreement will be finalised without first consulting with relevant Governing Bodies and local communities that would be impacted."
'A meeting that changed the mood'
Analysis - BBC Hereford & Worcester's Andrew Easton
There was a definite feeling of tension, nerves and apprehension as fans filed in at Sixways to hear what the new owners had to say.
Many told me they were hurt, angry, confused and disappointed: that it would take something special to have their minds changed.
It should also be said there were also many who felt a new approach was needed, as the business of owning a top-flight rugby club is currently a pocket-emptying exercise which is simply not sustainable.
To the Atlas Group's credit, they laid their plans bare with a full, detailed and legal explanation as to how the club has found itself in this predicament.
They also outlined the future - and how they want fans to trust them, believe in them and join them on what they hope will be a five-year journey back to Championship level rugby.
The mood had definitely changed by the end. There were smiles, nods of agreement. Even a ripple of applause. Something that was noticeably absent when the trio entered the room.
Only time will tell how good a plan this is for Worcester Warriors but the journey has started. They're just hoping fans want to come along for the ride.