Former Premiership rugby union club Wasps is aiming to move to Kent and build a new stadium in the county.
The club, formerly known as London Wasps, went into administration a year ago and was removed from the Gallagher Premiership as a result.
The league is now a ten-team division following the Worcester Warriors and London Irish also suffering the same fate as Wasps.
The move to Sevenoaks, Kent would be the fifth move for the club that has spent most of its existence in two London locations before recent moves to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014.
The two-time European champions and six-time Premiership winners, most recently in the 2007/08 season, had £95m worth of debt when the club fell into administration.
A statement from the club read, ‘This move signifies a new chapter in the club’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to professional rugby.
‘Having faced significant challenges with regulation and funding, the club has persisted with its determination to revive Wasps at the highest possible level.’
A Sevenoaks District Council spokesman said Wasps were considering building a multi-use stadium, training facilities and a hotel on the outskirts of Swanley.
The spokesperson added, “As a former top-tier club, with an international profile, we firmly believe this is a once-in-a- generation opportunity.
“Wasps would bring unparalleled economic, sports development, health, education, and skills benefits to the district and we are keen to explore how that could be achieved.”
Wasps owner Chris Holland recently became the majority shareholder of Worcester after his law firm, Loxwood Holdings, bought former owner Atlas’ stake.
The statement continued, ‘Whilst determined to establish a base in the south east of England, the club has also agreed an option of utilising Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground for both training and playing purposes, without in any way replacing Worcester Warriors RFC and indeed committed to assisting their return to competitive rugby.
‘Our determination to secure a new, sustainable future for the club has never been stronger.
‘By working with Sevenoaks District Council, we hope to build a long-lasting legacy that acknowledges our storied past and charts an ambitious future.’
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