THE relocation of Wasps from their Wycombe base to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena has taken rugby union into uncharted waters.

Moving such a high-profile club lock, stock and barrel to a new area of the country is something usually associated with the franchised world of American sport.

Nobody seems quite sure if it will work or what the ramifications will be. But one thing is for certain — it has set a dangerous precedent.

If a club can be allowed to take up residency wherever it pleases without questions being asked, then it is effectively open season.

Wasps don’t appear to have needed the blessing of the RFU or, indeed, Premier Rugby Limited.

A nomadic club they may be — having played at Queen’s Park Rangers before their current 12-year tenure at Adams Park — but Coventry is stretching things for a traditionally London-centric outfit.

What’s to stop others following suit if things aren’t going to plan? For, that is the reason behind this.

Wasps, who have former Worcester Warriors fly-half Andy Goode (pictured) among their ranks, almost went to the wall 18 months ago with players not being paid and their future in real doubt.

But, and this may sound harsh, does that make the move acceptable? Why should other clubs, like Warriors, potentially suffer from the impact of a big name moving in next door?

Plenty of clubs struggle under financial hardship but don’t have the luxury of clicking their fingers to make everything right. Which is effectively what Wasps have done. By moving 75 miles up the road, they have solved their problems overnight.

You might have noticed that I have left the fans to the final part of this column because that is exactly what Wasps have done. Their loyal support has been nothing more than an afterthought in all this.

But, as long as people are paying to watch the team, does it really matter to the powers-that-be if they live in Coventry or north London?

Milton Keynes Dons applied the same logic when they uprooted Wimbledon a decade ago and the animosity from those left behind has remained.

Wasps will get their support but, in my view, for the wrong reasons.