Wasps ambitions to build a centre of excellence for rugby have taken a major step forward.
Earlier this year the club revealed plans to build their new training ground at the home of Old Leamingtonians RFC on the outskirts of Leamington, and Wasps are now preparing a planning application for submission to Warwick District Council.
This is the next stage of the exciting development after Old Leamingtonians RFC and Wasps agreed and signed the legal contracts providing Wasps with a long lease and the ability to create state-of-the-art facilities.
Wasps have already held positive meetings with parish councillors in Cubbington, Stoneleigh, Blackdown and Milverton about the potential transformation of Old Leamingtonians RFC’s ground at The Crofts on Bericote Road.
The enhanced facilities will include rugby pitches for every age group at Old Leamingtonians and a new artificial pitch which will assist with winter playing and training and also allow other community sporting activities.
Wasps will have dedicated pitches for training and a modern elite training centre.
Nick Eastwood, CEO at Wasps, said:
“We already have an excellent relationship with Old Leamingtonians RFC and we now have joint ambitions to transform The Crofts into an elite centre of excellence for rugby, enabling wider community participation and for rugby to continue to flourish in the region.
The plans have been well received by the parish councils that we have spoken with and the focus now is working with Warwick District Council through the planning process”.

Wasps have also agreed a new deal with Broadstreet RFC to remain at their existing training base for the time being.
Nick said “Broadstreet RFC have served the club well since our move to the midlands with their fantastic facilities, and we are pleased to be able to continue using them while our new plans take shape.”
Phil Eales, chairman of Old Leamingtonians RFC said that the new developments at The Crofts when completed will enhance the club’s offering to the local community.
He added: “We believe this association with a Premiership rugby club will strengthen Old Leamingtonians RFC’s position as one of the leading grassroots rugby clubs in the region”.
He added “our existing facilities will be extended and improved for our range of teams which include men, ladies, minis, juniors, and mixed ability. We have had huge backing for these plans from our members and the wider community, and we look forward to working with Wasps to realise their ambitions.”
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For more information contact Adam Manning:
amanning@advent-communications.co.uk
024 76633636