THE ARRIVAL of Wasps to their new training ground at Broadstreet Rugby Club will bring plenty of benefits to the National League outfit according to the man who has helped oversee the coming together of the two clubs.
The Aviva Premiership side, who moved to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena stadium back in December 2014, have invested heavily in facilities at the Binley Woods club.
Broadstreet have hosted women’s and junior international fixtures in recent years, along with the Super 7s and England Touch Rugby championships.
And they will benefit directly on the field as Wasps have offered to stage some coaching sessions for Broadstreet teams from under-7s to senior level.
“I think this is a move which is fantastic for both clubs,” said Broadstreet committee member Richard Skene.
“Wasps have invested in laying a new pitch, installing offices, a gym and physio room, putting down a new all-weather running track and refurbishing the changing rooms.
“We are known for having very good facilities for a club at our level, and Wasps have moved in and made them even better, and now they will be used more than ever which is great.
“It is a move with benefits for both parties. We will see close at hand how one of the best clubs in world rugby operates and the standards its sets and expects. That can only be good for us.
“Hopefully, in turn, we have provided a base for Wasps to really continue to build the momentum they have established since moving to the Ricoh Arena.”
Wasps will be based at Ivor Preece Field for all their training until they have developed their own standalone training complex, which looks set to be at the current site of Coventry City’s Academy at the Alan Higgs Centre.
Wasps confirmed last month that they have applied for planning permission to build their new training facility at the Alan Higgs Centre, although they are continuing to keep their options open at other potential sites.
For now they will move from Twyford Avenue Sports Ground in London to Broadstreet Rugby Club where they will remain until a permanent site in the area can be found.
“We have been received fantastically well by Broadstreet and it is great to have all our playing operations now up here in the local area and firing on all cylinders,” said Wasps CEO David Armstrong.
“Broadstreet have really embraced our arrival and I think the move is very much of mutual benefit. We are really looking forward to working together and both enjoying good times on and off the field.
“We have had great support from the club and from Rugby Borough Council throughout the process and would like to thank them for allowing the move to happen so smoothly.”
The new-look Broadstreet was opened last Thursday by Mayor of Rugby Councillor Sally Bragg, MP Mark Pawsey and Mr Armstrong.
Coun Bragg added: “This is the birthplace of the game so they have chosen the right place! When they move to their permanent home they will leave a legacy at Broadstreet and we are grateful for that.”
