Former Wasps owner Chris Wright has mourned the loss of a 'family' as the storied club attempts to come to terms with its devastating demise.
Wasps, one of the institutions of domestic rugby, were put into administration on Monday in another dark moment for the sport. The financial crisis plaguing English rugby deepened further as Wasps suffered the same fate as Worcester with Premiership suspension and impending relegation.
Confirmation of the financial collapse that has destroyed Wasps came with the shattering news that a total of 167 players and staff would be made redundant and forced to look for new jobs. The club has been saddled with debts of more than £35million, with money owed relating to their move from London to Coventry in 2014 and unpaid tax bills to HMRC.
Wright oversaw Wasps becoming a professional outfit in a golden spell for the club, with his millions taking the club to 11 trophies in 11 glorious years before he sold up in 2008 and became a life time president. And the 78-year-old has spoken about the gut-wrenching impact of the fall of the club that he describes as a 'family."
"It's unbelievably sad that so many people have been made redundant," Wright told BBC Sport. "Unbelievably sad and I feel really really sorry for everyone there. I also feel sorry for all of the fans over the years and I know these fans.
"These are fans that I partied with in car parks at Twickenham when we won Heineken Cups and Premier Championships. I know these people well and I know how they love the club.
"I know the tradition of all of the ex-players. I know even going back to the amateur era, a lot of those players are still around. This is all family and its a family that's died. It may never been seen again and I think the chances are it will never be seen again."
The destruction caused by Wasps' financial downfall was further emphasised in a statement by their heartbroken skipper Joe Launchbury, who was among the 167 made redundant. Second row Launchbury joined Wasps in 2010 and has become entwined in the history of the club in his 12-year stint. The England international admitted he may never get over the manner of his exit.
"I can't believe I am writing this," he wrote on Instagram. "Being made redundant today from an organisation that means so much to me and my family is impossible to take.
"I joined the club in 2010 and have enjoyed some amazing days surrounded by the best team mates, support staff and supporters. It has always been so much more than a place of work, it was a place my family could call home. I'm not sure I will ever get over the news today but I will try my best to move forward and support my family. Thanks Wasps Rugby for letting me live my dream."
