Worcester Warriors fans voice concerns on Wasps' shift to Sixways

After the club was dismantled in October 2022 following administration, Wasps have now confirmed long-term plans to relocate to Kent from Coventry.

A statement on the club's website read: "The club is actively engaged with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location and ensure that the development meets both the needs of the club and the broader community."

The club also announced their plans to temporarily move to Sixways Stadium, following plenty of speculation over the past year that Wasps' future could lie in Worcester.

The statement continues: "Whilst determined to establish a base in the southeast of England, the club has also agreed an option of utilising Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground for both training and playing purposes, without in anyway replacing Worcester Warriors RFC and indeed committed to assisting their return to competitive rugby.

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Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the development, expressing a mixture of cynicism and concern.

X, formerly known as Twitter, user Worcester Faithful said: "To build a stadium in Kent will take at least four years so the sooner they sort their temporary home down there and leave us to it, the better."

Worcester Warriors played their final game at Sixways in September 2022, beating Newcastle Falcons 39-5 on their final outing (Image: JMP)

Concerns were echoed by Theo Campbell, who wrote: "Plans for Sevenoaks will "magically" be rejected. Extension at Sixways, oh another extension. Well it might as well "fall into place" and be the permanent home."

Andrew Cowie pointed out the financial implications of the situation on Wasps fans, who most recently were homed in Coventry, commenting: "So Midlands fans subsidise wait to move to Kent. Nice these rugby club owners. Doesn't sound good for Sixways either in the long term."

Other fans highlighted the lengthy distance players might have to travel to train, with Andrew Duncan noting: "Travellers on the move again. It's a long way from Seven Oaks to Sixways just to train."

Kev Preece struck a move neutral tone, writing: "Wouldn't make a difference would it? Wasps and Raiders alternate their Saturdays. Surely no different to what would have happened when Warriors were playing?"

While plenty of Warriors fans were more cynical about the announcement, there was room for joy amongst the Wasps faithful, who were gleeful to hear that the club were making their first steps back towards getting on the field.

Gemma Dorling wrote: "Wherever you will go….we will follow," while Ian T ecstatically said: "Count me in! Local-ish to me. Saves me the long, inward, horrible conversation as to who else to follow....."