Wasps Rugby Club
WouterThroughout the history of Wasps, the club has moved from its original home of Loftus Road, to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. The club is currently owned by a consortium led by Irish insurance magnate Derek Richardson.
The club’s origins can be traced back to 1867, when the first official meeting was held. The club was founded by William Alford, a former Merchant Taylors School student. He formed the club while working at the University College Hospital.
The club was originally based in London but moved to Sudbury in 1923. In the early years, Wasps ran two teams, with a full back, a half back and three threequarters. The teams played tight scrums and charged into their opponents’ territory.
Several of the team’s stars became internationals. Nigel Melville, Willie Le Roux and Clint McGregor all represented their country. The club also had players like Dudley Hardy, Ted Woodward, Alan Black, and D. B. Chapple who all made it into the England first XV.
In the 1980s, Wasps became a major rugby force in England. In 1996/97, the club won its first professional League Championship and went on to win the Tetley’s Bitter Cup again in 1999. It was also the year that the club signed players like Danny Cipriani, Garrick Fay, and Willie Le Roux.
Wasps had a disappointing season in 2009/10 and 2010/11. In 2012, the club went up for sale. Its owners, Wasps Holdings Limited, announced 167 job losses. The club has now been placed into administration.
