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Wasps FC
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Wasps FC
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Wasps FC is an amateur rugby union club formed in 1867. The men's first team was split from Wasps FC at the turn of professionalism, for the 1996-97 season, to become Wasps RFC, who formerly played at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry. The men's team currently plays rugby in the Counties 2 Herts/Middlesex league. Wasps Women compete in the Premier 15s, the highest women's league in the country, the ladies section has been established since 1984 and have consistently been a top 7 team in the country. Wasps Women have attracted elite athletes from around the world including England international Danielle Waterman and global brand sponsors. Wasps FC owns the Twyford Avenue Sports Ground that was also used by the Wasps professional teams for training until the end of the 2015–16 season.

Key Information

Wasps FC retains close links with their professional brothers and still owns approximately 5% of Wasps RFC.

The youth section has several championship sides and the minis compete actively at the higher levels.

Ground

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Wasps FC play their home games at Twyford Avenue Sport Ground, in Acton.

Men's Seasons

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Men 2024–25 season

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The first team finished 2nd in the Counties 2 Herts & Middlesex league and were promoted to Counties 1 Herts & Middlesex.

Men 2023–24 season

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The first team finished 3rd in the Counties 2 Herts & Middlesex league.

Men 2022–23 season

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The first team finished 5th in the new Counties 2 Herts & Middlesex league.

Men 2021–22 season

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The first team finished 4th in the Herts & Middlesex 1 league.

Men 2019–20 season

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The first team finished 4th in the Herts & Middlesex 1 league.

Men 2018–19 season

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The first team finished 6th in the Herts & Middlesex 1 league.

Men 2017–18 season

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The first team finished 6th in the Herts & Middlesex 1 league.

Men 2016–17 season

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The 1st XV finished 10th in Herts/Middlesex 1

Men 2015–16 season

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The 1st XV finished 12th in London 3 North West

Men 2014–15 season

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The first team finished tenth in their league, and the second team was relegated to the third (of 6) divisions in the Middlesex Merit Table for 2015-16.

Men 2013–14 season

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The first team finished fourth in their league, and the second team remained in the second (of 6) divisions in the Middlesex Merit Table for 2014-15. The third team, "The Fat Dads" (though not many are fat), continued to play friendlies and were inaugural members of the Middlesex Social League.

Men 2012–13 season

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In 2012-13 the first XV finished mid-table in London 3 North West. The second XV finished 3rd in Middlesex Merit Table 3 and was promoted into Middlesex Merit Table 2.

Men 2011–12 season

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In 2011-12 the first XV had a record-breaking season, winning all 18 games in Herts & Middlesex 1 to gain promotion to London 3 North West. Highlights included doing the double over both Hackney RFC and Old Priorians RFC, the closest challengers for the title.

Men 2010–11 season

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In 2010-11 the first XV was relegated from London 3 North West back to Herts & Middlesex 1. The second XV competed in the Middlesex Merit Table 4 league.

Men 2009–10 season

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The 2009-10 season was a very successful one for Wasps FC. Fielding two senior men's sides, the first XV won promotion from Herts & Middlesex 1 into London 3 North West and the second XV won the Middlesex Merit Table 5 League, gaining promotion into the Middlesex Merit Table 4 league in the process. On the back of these successes, it was announced the club would once again be fielding a third XV for the 2010-11 season.

Women's Seasons

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Ladies 2022–23 season

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The 1st XV finished 10th in Allianz Premier 15s and finished a 38-year stay in the top division of Women's Rugby. The Amateur Women continued as Wasps FC Women in tier 4 of Women's Rugby

The Amateur Women won all but 3 games during the entire season and finished 2nd in Women's NC 1 South East (West)

Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Wasps FC Ladies assumed the Wasps Women name under the professional umbrella with the 2nd XV already under the Wasps FC Amateur Women name in the playing pyramid

Ladies 2021–22 season

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The 1st XV finished 5th in Allianz Premier 15s

The 2nd XV finished 8th in Women's Championship South West 2.

Ladies 2020–21 season

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The 1st XV finished 3rd in Allianz Premier 15s and qualified for the play-offs, narrowly losing to Harlequins Women in the semi-finals.

The Amateur Women's season was postponed due to COVID-19

Ladies 2019–20 season

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Wasps FC Ladies gained sponsorship from global brand Vodafone UK alongside Wasps RFC and Wasps Netball, bringing together the entire Wasps brand.

The 1st XV's season was stopped due to COVID-19 on 16 March 2020. The 1st XV finished 5th in the Tyrrells Premier 15s League.

The Amateur Women's season was stopped due to COVID-19 on 16 March 2020. The Amateur Women finished 3rd in the Tyrrells Premier 15s Development League

Ladies 2018–19 season

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The 1st XV placed 4th in the league and were beaten by Saracens Women in the Premier 15s semi final.

The 2nd XV won all but 2 games during the entire season and finished 2nd in the Development League.

Ladies 2017–18 season

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The 1st XV placed 3rd in the league and were beaten by Harlequins in the Premier 15s double-legged semi final.

The 2nd XV won all but 2 games during the entire season and finished 2nd in the Development League.

Ladies 2016–17 season

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The 1st XV finished 6th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 5th in Women's Championship South 1

Ladies 2015–16 season

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The 1st XV finished 6th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 7th in Women's Championship South 1

Ladies 2014–15 season

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The 1st XV finished 6th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 1st in Women's Championship South West 2

Ladies 2013–14 season

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The 1st XV finished 7th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 4th in Women's Championship South West 2

Ladies 2012–13 season

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The 1st XV finished 5th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 7th in Women's Championship South 1

Ladies 2011–12 season

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The 1st XV finished 4th in Women's Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 7th in RFUW Championship South 1

Ladies 2010–11 season

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The 1st XV finished 2nd in RFUW Premiership

The Amateur Women finished 3rd in RFUW Championship South 1

Ladies 2009–10 season

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The 1st XV finished 6th in RFUW Premiership

Ladies 2007–08 season

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The 1st XV finished 2nd in RFUW Premiership

Club Honours

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wasps FC

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wasps FC is an English amateur club based at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in , founded in 1867 by William Alford and a group of players as a result of a split in FC, which also led to the formation of Harlequins FC. As one of the world's oldest rugby clubs, it originally operated under the name Wasps Football Club and served as the foundation for what became the professional , with the men's first team separating in 1996 to embrace professionalism while the core club retained its amateur status. Today, Wasps FC fields competitive senior men's and women's teams in the , alongside robust youth, minis, and girls' sections that emphasize and rugby. Throughout its history, Wasps FC has been a breeding ground for international talent, producing numerous England caps including Pat Sykes (1948), Richard Sharp (14 caps), and later players like Mark Taylor and who contributed to national successes in the 1970s and 1980s. The club achieved an unbeaten season in 1930–31, scoring 530 points while conceding just 76, and secured multiple County Cup titles, such as in 1973–74 and 1977–78. Post-World War II, it hosted high-profile matches, including an International XV at in 1956–57, and celebrated its centenary in 1967 with fixtures against the Barbarians. Ground relocations marked key eras, from early sites like and Lillie Bridge to a long stint at Sudbury (1923–1999), before settling at its current Acton home in 2005 after selling the Sudbury grounds for £11.9 million to support the club's transition. In the modern era, Wasps FC maintains historical ties to its former professional offshoot, , of which it once retained approximately 5% ownership prior to the club's in 2025, and focuses on inclusivity, with successful women's teams and events like the annual Beer Fest and Rugby 10s tournament fostering participation across all ages and genders. As of 2025, the club remains active, hosting matches and recruitment drives for the 2025–26 season, underscoring its enduring role in rugby.

History

Founding and early development

Wasps FC was founded in 1867 in the area of as an amateur club, emerging from a split in the Hampstead Football Club alongside the formation of Harlequins FC. The club was established by William Alford, a former pupil of Merchant Taylors' School, and a group of associates connected to , with their first formal meeting held at the Eton and Middlesex Tavern in . Adopting the name Wasps, inspired by their black and yellow striped jerseys introduced in 1873, the club joined the as a founder member in 1871, shortly after its . In its early years, Wasps FC played matches across various rented grounds in , including , Lillie Bridge, and , reflecting the nomadic nature of amateur clubs at the time. By the early , the club had stabilized and moved to a more permanent base at Repton Avenue in Sudbury in 1923, where they purchased the ground outright in 1950 with assistance from an RFU loan. Early successes included strong performances against prominent opponents, with the club fielding multiple teams and fostering local rivalries, particularly with due to their shared origins and with other West London sides like Richmond and Saracens. The club's first international player, John Biggs, earned a cap for in 1879, marking an early milestone in player development. The outbreak of in 1914 led to a temporary suspension of regular fixtures, but activities resumed in 1918 with a services side to accommodate military personnel. During , Wasps FC was among the fortunate clubs able to maintain teams, hosting matches for members and welcoming guest players including Welsh internationals Vivian Jenkins and Harry Bowcott, which helped sustain the club's operations through the conflict. Full post-war resumption occurred in , with the club rebuilding amid broader rugby recovery. Pre-1950 highlights included an unbeaten season in 1930–31 under captain Ronnie Swyer, during which the first XV scored 530 points while conceding just 76, and an Easter tour in 1924 to and that showcased their growing reputation abroad. Emerging talents like Neville Compton, who captained the side from 1939 to 1947 and became the first Wasps player to join the Barbarians, further solidified the club's legacy in amateur rugby before the mid-20th century.

Transition to professionalism and split

In 1995, rugby union underwent a seismic shift when the International Rugby Board (IRB) declared the sport open to , effective from August of that year, allowing player payments and ending the of shamateurism. This change posed immediate challenges for clubs like Wasps FC, an amateur outfit founded in 1867, which relied on voluntary contributions and faced risks of losing talent to better-funded rivals without a swift adaptation. To navigate the professional landscape, Wasps FC restructured ahead of the 1996-97 season, forming as the dedicated professional entity while preserving the original club as an amateur organization. This split enabled the professional side to attract investment and compete in the nascent , with the amateur Wasps FC focusing on community and developmental rugby. In 1996, music industry executive Chris Wright, through his Chrysalis Group, acquired a 49% stake in the professional operation for approximately £1.75 million, integrating it into Loftus Road Holdings PLC alongside Queens Park Rangers Football Club; the Sudbury ground, valued at £832,000, served as a key asset in the deal. As part of the arrangement, Wasps FC retained an approximately 5% ownership stake in the professional entity, ensuring ongoing ties. The two clubs maintained close collaboration in their early professional years, particularly through shared facilities at the Sudbury Sports Ground in , where the professional team trained midweek under a licensing agreement with the amateur side. This arrangement supported both entities until the ground's sale in December 2001 for £11.9 million to fund residential development, prompting the amateur club to relocate to Twyford Avenue in Acton by 2005. Despite the physical separation, Wasps FC continued providing developmental pathways and community support to the professional outfit, fostering a symbiotic relationship that endured until 2014. Key logistical developments for the professional included a ground-sharing agreement with Wycombe Wanderers at in starting from the 2002-03 season, moving from to access improved facilities and a more rugby-oriented environment. This tenure lasted until 2014, when departed to relocate to the Ricoh Arena (later ) in , acquiring a 50% stake in the venue through a deal with the local council and the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, marking a strategic expansion into the .

Administration of professional club and amateur revival

In October 2022, , the professional arm of the club, entered administration due to severe financial difficulties, including substantial debts accrued from development and operational costs. This led to the immediate redundancy of 167 staff members, including players and coaches, and the cessation of trading by the holding company Wasps Holdings Limited. On October 28, 2022, the (RFU) suspended the club from the Gallagher Premiership and for the remainder of the 2022/23 season, confirming their relegation to the while efforts to secure a buyer continued. During the subsequent hiatus, the independent amateur club, Wasps FC, played a vital role in preserving community continuity for the Wasps name and legacy, hosting local events and sustaining youth development programs to keep grassroots rugby active in despite the professional side's collapse. The RFU also intervened to oversee the displaced players, ensuring their talent pathway remained intact through temporary integration into other programs. However, the professional club's challenges persisted; in May 2023, the RFU revoked Wasps' license for the 2023/24 season due to unresolved financial and structural issues, effectively demoting them to the lower tiers of the English rugby pyramid. The professional entity faced final closure on January 19, 2025, when Wasps Holdings Limited was formally dissolved at , marking the end of the original professional structure after over two years in administration. The amateur Wasps FC continued its operations without interruption, participating in regional leagues and maintaining . Efforts to revive professional rugby under the Wasps banner continued; in 2024, the club submitted an expression of interest to join the RFU's expanded Tier 2 for the 2025/26 season, alongside and . However, in April 2025, the RFU Tier 2 Board selected only and a promoted club to join the existing 12 teams, rejecting the Wasps and bids. As of August 2025, Wasps announced plans to pursue a return to the second tier for the 2026/27 season, including securing land for a new development to support the bid.

Club identity and facilities

Ground and training facilities

Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, located in , serves as the home ground for Wasps FC, the amateur club founded in 1867. The club acquired ownership of the 10-hectare site in December 2005 for £2 million plus £80,000 in , following a legal settlement that cleared prior debts and enabled the purchase from former owner Chris Wright. Prior to full ownership, the ground had been used by the club for training and matches, providing a stable base amid the turbulence of rugby's transition to in the . The site includes multiple rugby pitches, comprising seven grass pitches (including one floodlit and one dual ) and one rugby-compliant artificial grass pitch (AGP), a clubhouse with changing facilities, a gymnasium, offices, and teaching rooms, supporting the club's senior, youth, and women's teams. Historically, Twyford Avenue hosted training sessions for the Wasps teams until 2015, even as their matchday venue shifted to larger stadiums like and later the Ricoh Arena. The ground accommodated occasional matches in earlier years but primarily supported the sides, ensuring continuity for rugby during the era. Since the club's administration in 2022, Twyford Avenue has become the exclusive hub for Wasps FC's operations, hosting weekly fixtures for the men's first XV, women's teams, and youth squads, alongside events and local leagues, fostering an intimate atmosphere for grassroots rugby in . In recent years, the facilities have undergone targeted upgrades to enhance training for youth and women's programs. Following the England Red Roses' 2022 victory, a major renovation project in 2025 transformed the clubhouse, adding a new roofed outdoor bar area through a partnership between , social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), and local young volunteers. This initiative not only modernized social spaces but also improved accessibility for training sessions, emphasizing community involvement and female participation in rugby. Additionally, plans outlined in Council's 2022 Playing Pitch Strategy include a second rugby-compliant artificial grass pitch (AGP) and car park improvements at Twyford Avenue, aimed at sustaining demand from growing youth and women's sections. Looking ahead to 2025, Twyford Avenue remains the core facility for Wasps FC amid discussions of a professional revival. However, as of November 2025, the ground-share at The Valley with Charlton Athletic is not proceeding; the club has secured land in for a new stadium and anticipates entry to the RFU Championship in 2025–26, potentially utilizing Twyford Avenue for supplementary training to leverage its established infrastructure. The site will continue prioritizing amateur and community usage, underscoring its role as a foundational asset for the club's long-term sustainability.

Crest, colours, and traditions

The crest of Wasps FC features a stylized four-legged wasp emblem in black and gold, symbolizing the club's name and aggressive playing style, with historical roots tracing back to the club's founding in when early kits incorporated black and yellow horizontal stripes as a nod to the motif. The current design, adopted in 2021 to unify the men's, women's, and community teams, simplifies the emblem by removing the element present in prior versions and emphasizes a modern, inclusive identity while honoring the original logo's heritage from the late . Variations over time included more detailed wasp illustrations in the and early , often paired with sponsor logos, reflecting the club's evolution from amateur origins to its post-2022 revival focused on community rugby. The club's traditional colours are black and gold, representing strength and prestige, and have remained consistent since the 1870s when the team first adopted black jerseys with yellow accents for home matches. Away kits typically feature white or grey bases with black and gold detailing, while alternate hoops in these colours appear for special fixtures. As of 2025, Wasps FC partners with Samurai Sportswear as its kit supplier, emphasizing durable, heritage-inspired designs that support the amateur revival's community-oriented branding, and Windsor & Eton Brewery as a principal sponsor, integrating local ties into the apparel. Wasps FC upholds several enduring traditions that reinforce its cultural identity, including longstanding participation in the Middlesex Sevens tournament, which the club has contested annually since its inception in the 1920s and won multiple times, such as in 1948, often hosting the event at its Acton ground to foster regional rivalries; the club also won the Middlesex Club Sevens in 2012. The motto "Once a Wasp, Always a Wasp" encapsulates the club's lifelong loyalty ethos, prominently featured in tributes to former players and members. Supporter culture emphasizes strong community bonds, exemplified by recent memorials for fly-half Richard Sharp OBE (1938–2025), a Wasps and international, and longtime supporter Tim Cracknell (1938–2025), both honored through club services that highlight the enduring family-like spirit among fans and alumni.

Governance and personnel

Current leadership and staff

Richard Green serves as the chairman of Wasps FC, a position he has held since at least the mid-2010s, during which he has overseen the club's operations as an amateur entity following the 2022 administration of its professional counterpart. An entrepreneur and restaurateur with deep ties to the local community in , Green has emphasized the club's role in providing accessible rugby opportunities amid the professional club's challenges. Solomon N'Jie acts as the club's president, appointed in July 2018, bringing a background as a former player who joined Wasps FC in 1975 and represented the team as a wing and centre. N'Jie, who also holds executive committee roles and has been involved in team management and coaching, focuses on fostering the club's community roots and compliance with (RFU) standards for amateur operations. Hugo Lewis is the director of rugby and head coach for the men's first XV, leading the team's coaching strategy with a dual role that includes playing contributions across senior squads. His appointment aligns with the club's post-administration emphasis on internal development and RFU-aligned structures to support amateur-level competition. For the women's program, Bryony Cleall was appointed head coach of the senior and junior Stingers teams in July 2024, following her role as the club's community and coaching development officer since 2023. A former England international with over 30 caps, Cleall previously played for Wasps Women from 2021 to 2023, winning back-to-back Premiership titles earlier in her career at Saracens, and her hiring underscores the club's commitment to elevating women's rugby through experienced, community-connected leadership. Youth development is led by figures such as Paul Skinner, who serves as Colts XV and overall youth official, managing the under-18 and younger pathways with a focus on progression from minis to senior levels. Vishaal Thakrar supports this as forwards coach for the men's and for the U16 boys' XV, ensuring RFU compliance in talent nurturing. Financial leadership is handled by a of trustees, including Andrew Richmond, John Hallewell, and Glover. These roles were bolstered by 2024 appointments, such as Cleall's, to prepare for expanded community programs without venturing into professional tiers.

Membership and community involvement

Wasps FC operates a tiered membership model for the 2025/26 season, designed to cater to players, families, and non-playing supporters. Options include the Student Senior Membership at £100, which covers match fees, a stash package, sessions, access, physiotherapy services, bar discounts, voting rights at the Annual General Meeting, and entry into an international ticket . The Non-Playing Social Membership, priced at £50, provides access to social events, bar privileges, and gatherings without playing obligations. Additionally, the Minis Earlybird Membership for under-7 to under-12 players emphasizes early engagement through training and matches. These packages foster a sense of belonging post the club's revival as an amateur entity following the professional arm's administration. The club maintains active community programs through holiday camps and initiatives targeted at local youth in Acton. Summer rugby camps for boys and girls aged 5-13, hosted at the Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, offer free attendance for children eligible for free meals, promoting and skill development in the local area. Easter holiday camps further extend these efforts, providing structured rugby activities during school breaks to engage young participants from surrounding schools. Diversity initiatives stem from the club's 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan, which continues to guide efforts in creating an inclusive environment across teams and events. Wasps FC signed the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2025, committing to fair treatment and support for serving and former within the club community. In November 2025, Wasps FC hosted screenings of the Quilter Nations Series international rugby matches at the ground, opening the bar from 11:00 AM for fans to watch fixtures including v Australia on November 1, v on November 8, and others through the month. drives for the 2025/26 season targeted women's teams, with calls for beginners and experienced players to join the Swarm development squad or the 1st XV competing in NC1, supported by an all-female coaching staff including former Red Rose Bryony Cleall. rugby camps for boys in summer 2025 further bolstered , focusing on technical and physical advancement for aspiring players. Fan engagement has grown through active social media presence on (@waspsfc) and (@WaspsFC), where regular updates on matches, events, and club news keep supporters informed and connected. The Skulls Wasps supporters group, based in , serves as a dedicated for fans of Wasps FC and related teams, facilitating meetups and discussions.

Teams and competitions

Men's first XV

The men's first XV of Wasps FC competes in the Herts/ 2 league under the guidance of head coach Hugo Lewis. In the 2024-25 season, the team has shown consistency, with Hugo Lewis as . Hugo Lewis serves as , supported by forwards coach Vishaal Thakrar and Sam Williams, who leads the side with a focus on integrating homegrown talent into the squad. The coaching approach emphasizes player development, as evidenced by the inclusion of seven homegrown players in recent lineups, aiming to strengthen the team's foundation for sustained progress. The 2025 squad features a mix of experienced forwards and versatile backs, including loose-head prop , tight-head prop Matthew Cosgrove, hooker Bryn Farrow, second row Daniel Clay, and openside flanker Georgy Dzavaryan. Fly-half and players such as and K. Gravino were notable contributors from recent seasons, with the team averaging 23.6 points scored per game in early outings. No major external recruits have been announced, reflecting the club's reliance on local and developing talent to bolster the roster.

Women's teams

The Wasps FC women's rugby union teams form an integral part of the club's amateur revival, comprising a senior 1XV squad and a development group focused on nurturing new talent. The senior team competes in the Women's National Challenge 1 (NC1) South East (North) league, a Tier 4 competition in the English women's rugby structure, emphasizing competitive play with a blend of experienced and emerging athletes. In the 2024-25 season, the senior started strongly in NC1 South East (North), securing first place with 17 points after four matches (as of early season), including notable victories such as a 55-7 win over Welwyn Ladies. The squad's goals centered on league stability and building momentum for potential promotion, supported by an all-female coaching setup that prioritizes player development and cohesion. Heading into the 2025-26 season, the continues in the same league, with objectives focused on consistent performance and upward progression within the national structure. Bryony Cleall serves as for the 2025-26 campaign; a former Red Roses international with over 20 caps, she currently plays as a forward for in the top-tier Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby. Key contributors to the senior squad include fly-half Leah Horan, who captains the side and directs play from the number 10 position, and right wing , known for her pace and try-scoring ability in open play. Other notable players feature scrum-half Emily Stone and wing Jaymie Benka-Davies, providing depth across the backline. The club maintains an active recruitment drive for the 2025-26 season, announced via in July 2025, welcoming players of all experience levels to join training sessions held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:15 PM at the club's Acton grounds. Contact is facilitated through [email protected], with emphasis on creating an inclusive environment under the all-female coaching staff. Complementing the senior is the development Swarm squad, designed for beginners and players building skills, offering a supportive entry point into competitive rugby and a clear pathway to the 1XV. While not competing in a dedicated Tier 4 league like NC1 South East (West), the Swarm group participates in friendlies and lower-tier matches, such as NC3-level fixtures, to foster growth; historical highlights include competitive showings as league runners-up in 2022-23 regional play. The overall structure aims to promote retention and progression, aligning with the club's community-focused ethos.

Youth and development squads

Wasps FC maintains robust youth and development squads divided into minis for players aged U6 to U12 and juniors for those aged U13 to U18, covering both boys' and girls' sections to foster inclusive participation across age groups. These programs emphasize skill development, teamwork, and enjoyment, with teams such as the U12s, U14 XV Boys, U16 XV Boys, Girls Under 12, Girls Under 14, Girls Under 16, and Colts XV actively competing in local fixtures and festivals. Training for these squads occurs weekly at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in , with sessions tailored to each age group—for instance, youth players (U13-U18) typically train on Sundays from 11:00 to 13:00, incorporating drills, matches, and occasional away festivals across and . In November 2025, activities include ongoing training, such as the U14 Boys' session on November 23, alongside home and away matches as part of the regular season schedule. The squads compete in regional championships, including those under the Middlesex Rugby Union umbrella, such as county festivals and leagues that promote competitive play within the Herts/Middx area. All age-grade players must register with the (RFU), ensuring adherence to national safety protocols, insurance, and developmental standards. These programs serve as key talent pathways to the club's senior teams, with junior players progressing through the Colts XV and development squads to integrate into the men's and women's first XVs, supporting the amateur revival's emphasis on grassroots progression.

Performance and honours

Men's team achievements

The men's team of Wasps FC enjoyed significant success in the amateur era, particularly in county competitions. The team secured the Senior Cup on eight occasions between 1973 and 1987, defeating in the 1973–74 final (14–9), Saracens in the 1974–75 final (6–0), in the 1976–77 final, Saracens in the 1977–78 final (12–4), in the 1978–79 final, Old Gaytonians in the 1981–82 final, in the 1983–84 final, and again in the 1986–87 final. Additionally, Wasps FC claimed the Sevens title four times, in 1948, 1952, 1985, and 1993. In league play during the pre-professional period, the team established notable records for dominance. The 1875–76 season saw an unbeaten campaign under captain Jack Angle, with 14 wins and 2 draws. This feat was replicated in 1930–31, when the first XV went unbeaten, scoring 530 points while conceding just 76 under captain R. M. Swyer. These performances underscored the team's prowess in regional fixtures, including early successes in Herts and competitions following the club's relocation to in . Following the split from the professional in 1996, the reformed Wasps FC men's team focused on rebuilding in lower-tier leagues. In the 2023–24 season, the first XV finished third in Counties 2 Herts/ with 10 wins from 18 matches, earning promotion to Counties 1 Herts/ for 2024–25. This marked a key milestone in the club's revival, positioning the team in a more competitive regional division. As of November 2025, the team is competing in Counties 1 Herts/, with ongoing matches in the 2024–25 season.

Women's team achievements

The women's section of Wasps FC was established in 1984 by Sue Martineau, marking one of the earliest dedicated women's rugby teams in , and quickly rose to prominence in the sport's developing landscape. In 1987, Wasps Women became one of the first women's teams to play at , contesting the national championship final against Richmond. The following year, they secured their first major national honor by winning the Women's National Cup final. Additional early successes included the 1992 National 7s title, solidifying their status as a leading club in the pre-professional era. During the early 2000s, Wasps Women dominated the Women's Premiership 1, capturing three consecutive league titles from the 2002–03 to 2004–05 seasons. Their most notable achievement in this period was the 2003–04 season, when they completed a league and cup double by winning both the Premiership 1 title and the Women's National Cup. The team maintained a strong presence in the top flight throughout the decade, contributing significantly to the growth of women's rugby in . Wasps Women entered the inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017 as one of the founding professional teams, backed by the RFU's investment in the elite competition. Their best league finish came in 2017–18, placing third overall, while they reached the semi-finals in the 2020–21 season before the competition's expansion. Subsequent performances included fourth place in 2018–19 and fifth in 2021–22, with the team also reaching the Allianz Cup 7th-place final that year. In their final Premier 15s campaign of 2022–23, they finished tenth amid the club's financial challenges. Over these years, Wasps Women developed numerous international players, including wings Abby Dow and full-back , as well as props and Hannah Botterman, who earned caps for the Red Roses. Following the professional club's administration in October 2022, the women's team was discontinued at the level, but Wasps FC, the affiliated community club, reformed a women's squad to continue grassroots play. Relegated to regional competitions, the team is competing in the NC 1 South East (North) league. For the 2024–25 season, Wasps FC Women are leading the table with 17 points from four matches as of November 2025, positioning them strongly for promotion.

Overall club records

Wasps FC, founded in 1867, has amassed a collection of regional honors in its amateur era, primarily through success in county-level competitions. The club has won the Senior Cup eight times, with victories in the 1973–74, 1974–75, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1981–82, 1983–84, and 1986–87 seasons. These triumphs highlight the club's dominance in rugby during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to an aggregate of at least a dozen cup and sevens titles since the late . Additional successes include multiple 7s wins, such as in 1993 and 2012, underscoring sustained excellence in short-form tournaments. Attendance at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, the club's home since 2005, has historically reflected strong community support, with peak membership reaching 1,500 in the , making Wasps the largest rugby club in at the time. While specific match-day figures for amateur fixtures remain modest compared to professional eras, the ground regularly hosts multiple teams weekly, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for local rugby. The club maintains longstanding local rivalries with other historic London sides, notably Rosslyn Park, sharing origins in the area and frequently clashing in league and cup matches that embody rugby traditions. Following the 2022 collapse of the affiliated professional team, Wasps FC experienced a revival, with heightened community engagement and membership growth sustaining its role as a thriving outfit into 2025.

References

  1. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/history-7836.html
  2. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6506
  3. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/history-7836.html?page=3
  4. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/history-7836.html?page=2
  5. https://www.instagram.com/waspsfcrugby10s/
  6. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news
  7. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQw-Iu4As6G/
  8. http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/wasps.html
  9. https://www.wasps.co.uk/your-club/club-history/
  10. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmcumeds/99/9903.htm
  11. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/history-7836.html?page=1
  12. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15361911/wasps-agree-ground-share-wycombe
  13. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-29522770
  14. https://www.wwfc.com/news/2014/october/wasps-to-depart-adams-park/
  15. https://www.reuters.com/sports/wasps-players-coaches-made-redundant-after-club-goes-into-administration-2022-10-17/
  16. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/28/wasps-suspended-from-premiership-as-rfu-confirms-relegation
  17. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/63429086
  18. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/11/26/rfu-wasps-worcester-london-irish-academies-how-do-it/
  19. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12551/12883801/wasps-licence-to-play-in-2023-24-championship-season-withdrawn-by-rfu
  20. https://apnews.com/article/wasps-rugby-demotion-rfu-12a79bec8820a33f5f562db35b0662cb
  21. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04187289
  22. https://www.champrugby.com/follow/news-media/tier-2-board-confirms-new-clubs-2025-26-season
  23. https://www.ruck.co.uk/pictures-of-wasps-new-stadium-are-incredible-they-could-be-back-very-soon/
  24. https://www.ealing.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/7609/spd_6_-_twyford_avenue_community_open_space.pdf
  25. https://www.ealing.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/19163/appendix_d_-_rugby.pdf
  26. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/after-147-years-the-big-boys-leave-home-1307518.html
  27. https://www.fixradio.co.uk/news/construction-news/toolstation-renovates-wasp-fcs-clubhouse/
  28. https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/red-roses-world-cup-win-inspires-renovation-project-at-wasps-fc/
  29. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12551/13253565/wasps-secure-site-in-kent-for-new-stadium-as-return-to-professional-rugby-union-moves-closer
  30. https://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/wasps.html
  31. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/wasps-unveil-new-logo-for-entire-club-2631869.html
  32. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Wasps_RFC
  33. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/d/sponsors.html
  34. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/wasps-keep-on-winning-578613.html
  35. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/richard-sharp-obe-once-a-wasp-always-a-wasp-2949634.html
  36. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/contact
  37. https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wasps-fc-amateur-rugby-club-premiership-1929186
  38. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/solomon-n-jie-66031410
  39. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6506/coach/hugolewis-1440209
  40. https://www.instagram.com/p/C95NKQ4Cpr0/
  41. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/bryony-cleall--community--coaching-development-officer-2792821.html
  42. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/payments/student-senior-membership-malefemale-20252026-135693.html
  43. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/payments/category/membership
  44. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/wasps-fc-summer-rugby-camps-2862631.html
  45. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/back-by-popular-demand--wasps-fc-easter-holiday-camps-2837526.html
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niGOXX92sHc
  47. https://www.gov.uk/armed-forces-covenant-businesses/wasps-rugby-fc
  48. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/news/watch-the-quilter-nations-series--wasps-fc-2947503.html
  49. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMaEhvco_eY/
  50. https://www.eliterugbyacademy.co.uk/wasps-elite-rugby-camps
  51. https://www.facebook.com/SkullsWasps/
  52. https://middlesexrugby.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/December-Newsletter.pdf
  53. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6506/the-team
  54. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6506/statistics
  55. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6681
  56. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6681/fixtures-results
  57. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6681/the-team
  58. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womensrugbynetwork/posts/10020117494757965/
  59. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams
  60. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6350
  61. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/5960
  62. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/minis--youth-faqs-66343.html?page=1
  63. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/calendar/training/session-2020435
  64. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/matches/2025/11
  65. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6349
  66. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/a/minis--youth-faqs-66343.html?page=12
  67. https://www.therugbyjournal.com/rugby-blog/wasps-women
  68. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/253575
  69. https://middlesexrugby.com/competitions/middlesex-cup/
  70. https://respiceprospice.co.uk/events/event-1834/
  71. https://www.oldpriorians.com/news/ops-announce-second-pre-season-fixture-2864928.html
  72. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/
  73. https://worldrugbymuseum.com/from-the-vaults/womens-rugby/meet-the-force-behind-the-formation-of-wasps-women
  74. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/once-a-wasp-always-a-wasp-the-premier-15s-waves-goodbye-to-an-extraordinary-team/
  75. https://betsapi.com/t/236373/Wasps-Ladies
  76. http://www.rugbyarchive.net/team/3774
  77. https://womensrugbydata.com/premier-15s/
  78. https://womensclubrugby.com/table/premier-15s-2017-18/
  79. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/63320784
  80. https://www.waspsfc.co.uk/teams/6681/league-table?tableId=181208
  81. https://rosslynpark.co.uk/about/history/
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