Aviva Premiership: Wasps chief Nick Eastwood explains move to Ricoh Arena in Coventry

The chief executive of London Wasps has told the club’s fans they had little choice but to leave Wycombe and head to Coventry.

The Premiership club announced earlier this week that after 12 years playing at Adams Park in High Wycombe, they will be moving around 75 miles north to the West Midlands.

Wasps have acquired a 50% stake in the Ricoh Arena in Coventry where they hope to play their first competitive fixture in December.

Total Rugby

And the club’s CEO, Nick Eastwood, says they were unable to give the fans any prior knowledge of the move which came as a massive shock for everyone following Wasps.

Not surprisingly, the fans were left feeling angry and Eastwood told Sky Sports News HQ: “If we had attempted in any way to consult or communicate with our fans it would have put us in breach of those legal agreements.

“We’re sorry it had to be that way and unsettling but there was nothing we could do about it.

“I can put my hand on my heart and look at every fan in the eye and say this is by far and away the best solution for the club in the long term.

“And for the players it’s like ‘would you like to play at a fourth division football ground or would you like to play in a world class arena and all the facilities there?

“It’s a huge statement about the ambition of the club and where we are trying to take Wasps.”