"Wasps to become richest rugby club in the world"

On Monday they will become the first sports club to launch a retail bond listed on the London Stock Exchange, which is expected to raise up to £35m. That means Wasps are set to pass French giants Toulouse in terms of revenue. "We expect to be in that position either at end of this season or next season," said Wasps' David Armstrong.

The big rise in revenue is a result of Wasps, who beat Exeter on Sunday to consolidate sixth place in the Premiership, buying the Ricoh Arena and moving from High Wycombe to play in the Midlands. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, the Wasps chief executive added: "We were previously the second-lowest revenue-generating club in Premiership rugby. We are now the second highest in Europe.

Coleman wrote:I hope they can keep it up. Crowds like that only help to show off rugby in a good light. With the RWC later this year and the right marketing Wasps could be having some very strong attendances next year.

Pot Hale wrote:Yep - 16k-18k attendances on average each week would be very impressive from effectively a standing start in a new area/stadium.  

European rugby likely as not next season.  Increased cap. Ring fenced Premiership on the way.  Improved TV deal monies on the way.

What's not to like?

Wasps and Exeter could be the two real success stories of the Premiership.