Worcester Warriors and Wasps fans respond to idea of merger

Both former Premiership sides went into administration in 2022 and both have since, essentially, been liquidated as clubs.

Wasps and Worcester have been told by the RFU (Rugby Football Union) that they have until February 14 to submit an application to be in the Championship for the 2023/24 season.

But as of yet, neither club has any staff, players or coaches.

Warriors was sold to new owners last week in the form of Atlas Worcester Warriors RFC Ltd, which is led by former chief executive Jim O'Toole and ex-London Irish player James Sandford.

Sandford later said in a post-sale interview that they did have plans to bring 'elite level rugby' back to Sixways, regardless of whether or not the RFU approve of the takeover.

Back in December 2022, the RFU did not give their approval for the Atlas takeover due to insufficient information over funding. Atlas claimed the RFU were taking an 'over oneroud' stance on the bid.

That has since led to supporters wondering what that means and some have even began contemplating the idea that maybe Wasps and Worcester could merge to form a new club. 

This was the result of a poll on Twitter: 

Worcester Wasps. In theory? #COYW #Wasps

— Marcello Cossali-Francis (@Mcossalifrancis) February 6, 2023

And here are some of the reaction to the concept of 'Worcester Wasps' or maybe 'Wasps Warriors'. 

Definitely no!

— Andy Morgan - 🇺🇦 Volunteering #B2022 (@FrenchWarrior72) February 6, 2023

No, no, no. What are we trying to achieve here? This doesn’t stop Atlas selling off the ground which the rfu seem insistant on, the hybrid club would be unsustainable without any income if ground renting, so why not just allow warriors to return?

— Richard Pipe (@richardpipe) February 6, 2023

One club will end up taking preference over the other with a merge. Both deserve there own space in my opinion. For me rugby roots matter and being close to the roots are important for both clubs.

— Paul Serafini 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹🇬🇧 (@paul_serafini) February 6, 2023

Sorry BUT WE ARE WARRIORS 💙💛

— John Lathan (@1234canny) February 6, 2023

But some suggest that it maybe is the only real option. 

I think it may happen. Makes logical sense for all(some) involved. I'm not sold on the idea but it all makes sense even for the @RFU

— GrahamK966 (@GrahamK966) February 6, 2023

I just want rugby.

— Scott & Bailey (@ScottBaileys) February 6, 2023

Perhaps there should be another poll. Do fans want Worcester Wasps or no club at all? This might very well be the choice we’re left with, sadly.

— James Morgan (@thefulltoss) February 6, 2023

Why not both? Groundshare. Premiership rugby every week.

— Patrick McGarvey (@PatrickMcGarve5) February 6, 2023

Possibly an unpopular opinion but…

I’d support Worcester Wasps.

Feels like a pragmatic solution for two fanbases who have been through the shit recently.

Both Warriors and Wasps, as we knew them, are gone.

— Dave (@merican_dave) February 6, 2023