Derelict English giants Wasps are in talks to join the URC and replace Wales if one of them withdraws

There has been talk about English club Wasps joining the United Rugby Championship and potentially replacing the Welsh region if one of them pulls out.

Wasps folded last October but announced ambitious plans for the former European champions to move from Coventry to Kent and play in a new 24,000-28,000 capacity stadium. The Times reported this morning that Wasps have held talks with the URC about transitioning to a cross-border competition, although there is also the option of competing in Premiership 2, the so-called second tier championship.

WalesOnline also understands that Wasps’ involvement in the URC is a very serious prospect and could come at the expense of one of Wales’ four professional teams should someone resign or even sell their place in the competition. It is understood it could cost Wasps or any other team with similar ambitions between £5m and £7m to buy or fill the Welshman’s shoes.

These are not the first conversations about the future of the Welsh regions in recent times. Ospreys Y11 owners were linked to mergers with Ealing Trailfinders and Cardiff, both of which failed to materialize. It’s no secret that Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets have been struggling for some time and playing budgets are being significantly reduced.

Wales has recently seen the first steps of recovery, with former JustEat chief executive David Buttress taking the Dragons private and Cardiff signing deals with major investors following the tragic death of former chairman Peter Thomas. But despite this, there are many in rugby’s upper echelons who believe Welsh rugby cannot support four professional teams, although there is a strong argument that it only has enough playing resources for three. Read my weekly column in our rugby newsletter.

Despite negotiations, there are many potential obstacles to Wasps joining the URC, chief among them the need for Rugby Union approval. However, the RFU has discussed a possible British and Irish league that would also include Italian and South African teams.

“I’ve had conversations with Wasps mainly about helping them find a home in Kent,” said URC chief executive Martin Anai. times. “I hope they have a home in the Premier League. Otherwise, URC is always open to new conversations.”