Dallaglio under fire for 'outrageous' on air comments about Wasps

Former Engand No.8 Lawrence Dallaglio has come under fire over the weekend after appearing to suggest that financially troubled Wasps should be treated differently to Worcester Warriors, given the club's legacy as one of the most successful sides in England.

Wasps stand on the brink of administration as they bid to find a new backer this week. Last week the Coventry-based side confirmed a second notice of intention to appoint administrators had been filed, revealing that talks were at “a relatively advanced stage” with possible investors in the face of a winding up order from HM Revenue and Customs for £2 million in unpaid tax.

Wasps Holdings Limited face having to repay a £35 million bond which had help finance the club’s relocation to Coventry during 2014, while failure to secure the finance needed to prevent administration could result in automatic relegation from the Gallagher Premiership.

Dallaglio, an ex-Wasps No.8, was asked about what may happen on BT Sports, and many kicked off about the World Cup winner's stance on his former club, which he seemed to suggest deserved special treatment.

“The RFU, they’ll say that any club that’s in administration has to go the same way as Worcester but the reality is, do you want to lose one of the biggest brands in club rugby, in world rugby and one of the brands that’s been one of the most successful sides in the Premiership?," said Dallaglio.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. It’s worrying times for all rugby fans. Each club is very different. I can’t really comment on Worcester and the reasons why the RFU have decided to suspend them and push them towards the Championship. They can, of course, appeal that. Many of their players are now finding employment elsewhere.”

Some on Twitter have challenged why Dallaglio was asked about the issue given his obviously allegiance to his former employer.

The Wasps Report wrote: "By the way, thought Dallaglio’s comments were poor and disrespectful towards Worcester today. Appreciate he has a vested interest but if Wasps do go into administration they should be punished as per the rules and not bend them."

One popular fan account wrote: "Outrageous from Dallaglio. Why should Wasps success 15 years ago have any bearing on the application of the rules now? To claim this was all covid is a claim too far too. Prior to Covid they lost £20m in 5 years BEFORE THE COSTS OF THE BONDS."

Jason Harris wrote: In response to Lawrence Dallaglio’s implication on BT Sports that Wasps are too big/famous/successful to go to the wall, the last major trophy the club won was the 2007/08 Premiership. That’s 15 seasons ago."

Another Tweeterer described the comments as 'appalling'. "This is appalling from dallaglio. If the

RFU and Premiership Rugby have any integrity then it won’t matter that wasps are a so called big club. They will have to face the same music as Worcester. Stop giving this bloke a platform to speak. It’s a clear conflict of interest."

This is appalling from dallaglio. If the @RFU and @premrugby have any integrity then it won’t matter that wasps are a so called big club. They will have to face the same music as Worcester. Stop giving this bloke a platform to speak. It’s a clear conflict of interest

— Sam Rowe (@Samo4Rowe) October 9, 2022

The situation at rival Premiership side Worcester has sharpened focus, with the club, which is suspended from all competitions, undergoing partial liquidation last week as HMRC pursues unpaid taxes in the region of £6million. Many fear Wasps are next on the chopping board.

- additional reporting PA