Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with


By Aidan McCartney, Coventry Telegraph.
April 29 2015

Leicester Tigers at the Ricoh Arena.

Wasps are on course for a Ricoh Arena sell-out when they tackle new neighbours Leicester Tigers in their final home game of the season on Saturday May 9.

There are only 1,000 tickets left for the game in the 32,000-seater stadium, guaranteeing the attendance will break the 28,254 record set for the club’s Coventry bow against London Irish.

The match is crucial to both side with Leicester currently holding fourth place – the final play-off berth – while Wasps are sixth and thus on course for European Champions Cup qualification.

Over 2,000 hospitality covers have bee sold for the game, with all executive boxes selling out months in advance. The 200 remaining hospitality places start at £80 +VAT and include a match day ticket and programme, a two-course meal in the Phoenix Suite and a complimentary half-time drink.

 

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Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 13:45

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Paul Ingleston (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 16:01

Many thanks for this very vital piece of information. Is this the start of the process of integration between Wasp (judging from past times - soon to be rebranded Coventry Wasps I guess?) and Cov. Should this be on the Wasps very own website, EngageCoventry?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Paul Ingleston (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 16:07

Sorry, my mistake the Twitter feed.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 17:56

Paul, I take exception to your post. There has been a topic titled ‘Wasps- the ultimate cynics’ on this website since April 17th, and has been viewed 1695 times, with 26 posts.

The point I am trying to make is nobody, including you, have complained about that topic, but as soon as I put a topic under local rugby you have complained within an hour of it going live. The other website that I run has more about Wasps and local rugby. I felt this is news worth sharing as I guess there will be quite a few Cov supporters going along to Wasps against Leicester.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: fordy69uk (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 18:46

Quite a few Dave, got mine ages ago, apparently it's not the done thing to watch any other team if you're a Cov supporter or even speak about one!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Paul Ingleston (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 19:47

Dear Dave, I apologise for any distress/slight caused by my post and promise to be more circumspect with any future posts.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 20:11

the 'Wasps - ultimate cynics' thread was relevant to Cov, as it was about Wasps changing to Sat kick-off. I don't really see the point in posting Wasps news here, seeing as it antagonises some people and the Wasps and the CovRugby message boards are available for those interested in the latest Wasps news.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:04:29:20:13:25 by rustyroof.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: eggshape (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 21:40

I quite agree wasps posts on this site only cause irritation amongst those that only follow Coventry so the only way round it is do not write on the wasps post then no one will get wound up if people want to read about the wasps it only one search away.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 22:11

I quite agree eggshape, and If I feel people want to read something that involves Wasps, Broadstreet and any other local rugby team I will certainly do it.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: eggshape (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 22:28

And people should not partake if it is going to annoy them rugby is rugby everyone is entitled to support who they want after all its a gentleman's game.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: titchywinger (IP Logged)
Date: 29/04/2015 22:37

If I want to read anything about Wasps I would expect to go to the Local Rugby website or the Wasps official and unofficial websites. If I want to read anything about Coventry RFC I go to this site or the official Coventry rugby site.Simple.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Roger Fox (IP Logged)
Date: 30/04/2015 15:06

Quote:
eggshape
And people should not partake if it is going to annoy them rugby is rugby everyone is entitled to support who they want after all its a gentleman's game.

Slight correction eggshape. It's a hooligan's game played by gentleman.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Jean H (IP Logged)
Date: 30/04/2015 19:12

As of 10.00am today all tickets sold out for Wasps v Leics.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Bono546 (IP Logged)
Date: 30/04/2015 19:44

Or given away .........

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 30/04/2015 21:06

Should be a good Leicester crowd there then....

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 01/05/2015 08:59

I have no idea why Wasps are being discussed on a Coventry RFC website. Until the takeover battle begins it is surely no more relevant than if we started discussing egg cups. (That subject is probably more interesting too.)

My suspicion is that along with every free ticket given away there will also be a free 6.5% bond! The word 'bargepole' comes to mind.

Let's stick to National 1.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 01/05/2015 10:47

Couldn't agree more Rudolf.

But this is a democracy.....

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Moosemagic (IP Logged)
Date: 01/05/2015 12:43

Quote:
r hess
I have no idea why Wasps are being discussed on a Coventry RFC website. Until the takeover battle begins it is surely no more relevant than if we started discussing egg cups. (That subject is probably more interesting too.)
My suspicion is that along with every free ticket given away there will also be a free 6.5% bond! The word 'bargepole' comes to mind.

Let's stick to National 1.

Because it creates interesting debate? And love them or hate them, or don't give a s**t about them, their move to the Ricoh has certainly done that and does have an impact on Cov.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 01/05/2015 18:39

I have a number of egg cups. One has a broken handle but still holds the egg. I also have a very funny eggcup in the shape of a hen. The egg fits in very snugly.

Are there any other egg cup enthusiasts or should we revert to Coventry's proper rugby club?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: BH90 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/05/2015 13:22

Once the new Wasps training ground is up and running (sometime in 2016/17), it's pretty certain that a lot of Wasps players will have dual registration with CRFC.

Will you be boycotting games in which dual-registered players appear? Or will you compromise, by attending the games, but not mentioning any of those players on this site?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 02/05/2015 17:00

I will refer to egg cups for 50% of the time and rugby for the balance.

I am being facetious simply because I don't think you realise how serious this actually is. If the 6.5% bond is successful ( which I actually doubt) then I would question whether Cov rfc will be with us in 2016/17.

The point will soon be reached whether an independent future (independent of Wasps that is) is the decision of choice.

Sorry to Job's comforter but it does appear pretty obvious to me, as long as Wasps survive, which I am not sure is a complete 'given'.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 02/05/2015 19:04

Quote:
Beer Today, More Tomorrow
Once the new Wasps training ground is up and running (sometime in 2016/17), it's pretty certain that a lot of Wasps players will have dual registration with CRFC.Will you be boycotting games in which dual-registered players appear? Or will you compromise, by attending the games, but not mentioning any of those players on this site?
why is this inevitable? What does it give Cov that they don't get already from other clubs?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: BH90 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/05/2015 20:10

Not to worry. If you don't want them, I'm sure Moseley would find a use for them.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 02/05/2015 22:10

That would be good. If Moseley ditch their partnership with Saints, it leaves more Saints youngsters for Cov to borrow.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: BH90 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 09:32

So, that's all good.

Now answer the question: will you boycott any games in which dual-registered or loaned Wasps players are appearing in Coventry colours?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 09:58

Yes

Slippy slopes etc



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:03:09:59:40 by r hess.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 11:17

Quote:
Beer Today, More Tomorrow
So, that's all good.
Now answer the question: will you boycott any games in which dual-registered or loaned Wasps players are appearing in Coventry colours?
it's a stupid question. Anyone, DR or otherwise, turning out for Coventry is a Cov player. We loan players from Saints/Bath/Tigers, that doesn't mean that we want to read Saints/Bath/Tigers news on this Cov RFC site.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 11:30

^ wot he said.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: BH90 (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 11:31

Mr Hess doesn't seem to agree with you. All those years in Spandau making their mark?

He will presumably also be turning his back on Cov, for doing a deal with The Devil.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 03/05/2015 11:39

Mr Hess doesn't seem to agree with you. All those years in Spandau making their mark?

He will presumably also be turning his back on Cov, for doing a deal with The Devil.

You've clearly got an axe to grind, BTMT. Unfortunately your posts are not doing you any favours or justice, and the point that keeps being made, namely that this board is for news and views about CRFC, seems to have become clouded in the mists of your ire.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Moosemagic (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 00:23

Well here is my take on it, however i am sure that R Hess will reply with his juvenile comments regarding egg cups etc,
When i say it could have an impact on Cov, it is from this perspective, 32000 tickets have been sold/given away for the Wasps game next week. I have no idea how many Leicester have sold, 10,000 maybe? another 10,000 to Wasps fans,5000 freebees, and 200 bought by Cov fans, that leaves a possible 7000 tickets which have been gathered up by Coventry people or people within a close proximity of the area, if 10% of these floating Rugby watchers were inticed to come to the BPA we would get a home gate well in excess of 2000 people per game, which would then equate to a bigger revenue and an increased prospect of promotion. Personally i think this is worthy of debate, but if it looks like and Ostrich, if it ignores the situation, if it burys its head in the sand, it will talk about egg cups.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 08:51

I am pleased to note that the Ostrich's egg will not fit in my egg cup.

I could not care a t**s about Wasps, see them as a terminal threat to Cov rfc and so completely disregard them as a subject for debate.

Of course they will try to give us DR players, I would too, if I were them. That is no more than a way of instigating integration.

This will soon become a short term benefit versus long term survival issue.

Anyway I'm off for breakfast. Guess what's on the menu moose magic.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 09:12

I’m hoping that some of those who go along to watch Wasps V Leicester are new or newish to our great game. They enjoy the game, get the bug and come along and watch Cov. If the powers that be market the price of entry correctly they could entice them.

Personally, I would love to see 3,000 supporters watching Cov every game, and honestly feel the arrival of Wasps is one of the main reasons our attendances have risen since they arrived at the Ricoh. I just hope they continue the upward trend and we can prosper, employ better, more experienced players and finally get back into the Championship.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Rob C (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 13:40

Dave, I think you're spot on with your observations. People who know me as a long time supporter of Cov have asked how I feel about the Wasps move. All I say is that from the moment we learned about the Wasps coming to Coventry we embarked on our unbeaten run and rapid increase in support. Now it may be coincidence, but I believe a flame has been re-ignited where rugby is concerned in the city and that has to be a good thing. I won't be going to the Tigers match, I've been to a couple of Wasps games this season and it's not really for me, but to believe that we can ignore them in the hope that they will go away is just naïve. What harm does the odd Wasps related post on this site cause? I've seen posts related to England, Wales, Scotland, Broadstreet, Barkers etc and no one raises an eyebrow because they're not about Cov.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Wazeroonie (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 14:12

I'm a relatively new convert to Cov rugby, after seeing them sporadically over the last few years, wifey and I have been to every home game since Loughborough just before Xmas. We like the atmosphere, and are getting season tickets for next season. I think we are the type of people that Wasps are aiming to recruit for themselves but it's too late- we're Cov fans now. Like a lot of people I take an interest in Prem rugby and as a Land Rover Employee I get 30% discount on Wasps tickets, so I am going to see Wasps v Leicester with a pal who is a Leicester fan, £14 a ticket! I might go and see a few more matches at the Ricoh, but Cov matches will always come first for us. I'm quite relaxed about Wasps but I can understand if the more diehard fans feel that they may overshadow Cov, but I'd like to think that we see it more as a challenge to get behind Cov and try to make the club a different and more intimate feel and embracing option than all the corporate Premiership razzmatazz.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 16:40

"but to believe that we can ignore them in the hope that they will go away ..."
To be fair they are impossible to ignore even if you wanted to, due to their fondness for regular PR announcements. I doubt that tickets for the Tigers match selling well was news to many.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:04:16:54:58 by rustyroof.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Rob C (IP Logged)
Date: 04/05/2015 18:41

Quote:
rustyroof
"but to believe that we can ignore them in the hope that they will go away ..."
To be fair they are impossible to ignore even if you wanted to, due to their fondness for regular PR announcements. I doubt that tickets for the Tigers match selling well was news to many.

Surely that presents a challenge to Cov to raise their own profile which harks back to previous posts about that very subject. To sell out the Ricoh after such a short time in the city is no mean feat and, despite thoughts to the contrary, I don't believe there were many freebies knocking around this time.

Wazeroonie, I'm with you in much preferring the Butts Park intimate atmosphere to the Ricoh....spread the word!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: cov pete (IP Logged)
Date: 06/05/2015 14:52

DR players tend to fall into a couple of categories:

Young/first year academy players tend to go to national 1 teams then second year academy players go to championship teams.

For example Tom Collins (Saints) with us for a few games then following year at Moseley. Plus the Waller brothers/Adam Parkins, etc.

So I doubt we'll see lots of Wasps academy players DR with Coventry - in fact about the same in terms of DR numbers as previous years.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 06/05/2015 15:13

There is another factor affecting numbers. A team may only select 4 'outside' players (DR and loan) in a match day squad of 20.

Those players, and their 'owning' teams want them to play and get experience - so are unwilling to put them out to teams where they won't get a game.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/05/2015 16:00

So let's just stick with taking them from our old friends Leicester.


(Did I say that out loud?).

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 06/05/2015 16:04

...or the two other teams that have proved to be good friends - Northampton & Bath.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Maxee (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2015 16:31

(Addendum: Apologies, I didn't really know where I was going with this point when I started writing it! It's therapeutic to me and I won't be offended if you don't read it)!!

...I spent the first couple of months after Wasp's move very angry. My friends into rugby, who'd never shown an interest in watching Cov, were suddenly contacting me saying they had free tickets to see Wasps - offering them to me left, right and centre. I know and accept that they are now here to stay, although I secretly hope they fail to attract sufficient crowds, fail and disappear (their real fans have the amateur side to follow back in London who would rise through the leagues and find their level of given sufficient support - I have no ill feeling towards genuine supporters).

I would like to avoid DR players from Wasps because as soon as we become the junior partner in a reciprocal arrangement in our own city, our ambitions are permanently capped. I agree with the point above that this would be short term gain whilst risking our long term existence.

We moved to the Butts ten years ago with a view to one day hosting Premiership rugby here. I'm a dreamer and in my dreams we were eventually going to build up the other 3 sides of the ground (including a 'new cow shed' opposite the main stand). Imagine a 16,500 capacity, genuinely urban rugby stadium full of Cov fans - the appetite is apparently here in the city. Smaller, less traditional rugby towns have done it (minus the urban bit) when they've got the formula right - Northampton and Worcester for example.

Who should I direct my anger at? The club officials who let the club slip from the upper echelons of British (even World) rugby In the 1980's? The successive regimes who failed to keep pace with our peers when the game went professional? Or more recent administrations who have failed to reach out and market the club beyond the most loyal 1,000 regulars and left a vacuum for the Wasps scenario to occur? Or Wasps themselves for being here?

All I know is that Wasps being in town means the dream outlined above is practically impossible. Like I've said, I hope Wasps fail in Cov. I won't be going to their games. I hope it galvanises Cov to work harder and be better. Sounds like the ramblings of a mad man!!!

In summary, my preference is not to promote, finance or support the Wasps franchise in Coventry! To concentrate on ourselves, gain promotion, attract bigger crowds, avoid DR arrangements with Wasps and instead promote existing relationships. Make the Butts an amazing place to come and watch rugby (as it has been at times this year but there should be every incentive to continually improve) by improving our standard of play and facilities.

I've exhausted myself and I imagine you stopped reading ages ago!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2015 16:56

Although I agree with a lot of the sentiments behind your posting, I feel it is totally wrong in two very major assumptions.

First of all, DRs & loans. Nothing is permanent. Taking DRs from any club this year does not mean anything will be offered or taken next year, The RFU's rules on academies means that it is impracticable for a team at tier 2 or 3 to succeed without using players from tier 1 clubs 0 they simply cannot set up equivalent structures and keep quality young players themselves. To succeed, Coventry will have to use DR and Loan players, and it makes no difference where they come from. Until Coventry succeeds it will not be able to bring its own players through.

Secondly location. Wasps - and all the other teams at higher level tiers 1 & 2 will in time be in competition with Coventry, if Coventry succeeds, wherever they are located. Coventry were not getting 1500 crowds when Wasps were in High Wycombe, they got them when they started to win matches. Numbers attending are what would justify ground developments - over the past ten years we have not had the numbers to even consider expansion. If the numbers keep growing we shall have to - even if initially just of the catering facilities.

Finally getting angry. There's no point in it.

what's happened in thew past has happened, and most of those to blame are dead or nothing to do with the club. Getting angry with Wasps is pointless - they're out to help themselves, nothing more, and if we are angry and unpleasant they will see having anything to do with us as unhelpful to them. If you;re going to be angry, be angry with negative influences inside the club who have given up and decided that moaning is the only thing to do.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2015 19:27

Interesting post, Maxee, and one which, I would imagine, evokes a great deal of sympathy.
However, OldNick's posting is equally appropriate.
For my part, like you, I will not be supporting Wasps in anything. If I want to see a Premiership club, I will go to another ground rather than the Ricoh. I take offence at their "cuckoo in the nest" insidious tactics which, I feel, run the genuine, serious and provocative risk (intention) of compromising Cov and even of being in direct confrontation with the development of Cov. But my plan is too simply be laisez faire about them.
As far as the subject of DR or loan players is concerned, as OldNick says we have to accept that the arrangement is a fact of life. Like you, however, I don't warm to the idea of having them from Wasps.
Anyway, all heat-of-the-moment stuff apart, let's fervently hope for a brilliant season next season. I know we've said it before at the start of each season, but the future looks distinctly promising. Can't wait!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2015 20:33

The report in the press today was that the full 35 million has been paid to Wasps. Most coming from the city, no doubt chasing the 6.5 % yield.

If true, then that fills up the war chest. Wasps still need infrastructure.

Stand by to repel all invaders.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2015 22:24

If Wasps do need infrastructure in the midlands, they need a training ground with space for multiple pitches, and a gym, not a ground with 3000 seats and one pitch.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Maxee (IP Logged)
Date: 08/05/2015 09:57

I intended to make clear that my anger has since simmered down. They're here, can't change that. Bottom line is I want the best for Cov and I'm already encouraged by the content of the Rugby Paper article mentioned in a different thread. Thank for listening!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 08/05/2015 11:21

There we do agree

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Chow Chow (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 10:42

I agree with Laugh Out Loud generally.

To state my position - Im a member of a local WRFU club - I also played for Cov on occasion back at Coundon Road and watch them at the Butts when I can.

I am going today - no real affinity to either club but am looking forward to the atmosphere and a pretty good level of rugby if Im honest. Ive been a couple of times and its been a good day out (especially the Leinster match when I got back for 2nd half of the Cov game too!)

Its here to stay I think and I genuinely think Cov RFC will benefit in a number of ways. It has really energized the local population towards our great game, so many mates have started talking about rugby and are now more likely to agree to a day out at the Butts if asked.

The barbed comments about "free tickets" swelling the Wasps attendance are a little tiresome. If you were trying to engender support in a new fanbase - what would you do, You would surely do the same and hope that many of the lucky recipients would enjoy the day and consider purchasing for future games. I can assure you all other Premiership clubs have run similar initiatives, perhaps not on such a large scale (but in different circumstances).

I dearly hope Cov will continue to progress on an upward curve and be a Championship team in the near future - the region can support both sides. If you speak to the Cov players, ask them what they think - they love the fact the rugby is being talked about in our area more than ever before. I understand many seasoned Cov fans feel unnerved by it - I've found it all a bit odd, interesting but exciting. I havent lost my love for Cov though and I will be at the Butts as many times as possible next year!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Chow Chow (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 10:42

I agree with Laugh Out Loud generally.

To state my position - Im a member of a local WRFU club - I also played for Cov on occasion back at Coundon Road and watch them at the Butts when I can.

I am going today - no real affinity to either club but am looking forward to the atmosphere and a pretty good level of rugby if Im honest. Ive been a couple of times and its been a good day out (especially the Leinster match when I got back for 2nd half of the Cov game too!)

Its here to stay I think and I genuinely think Cov RFC will benefit in a number of ways. It has really energized the local population towards our great game, so many mates have started talking about rugby and are now more likely to agree to a day out at the Butts if asked.

The barbed comments about "free tickets" swelling the Wasps attendance are a little tiresome. If you were trying to engender support in a new fanbase - what would you do, You would surely do the same and hope that many of the lucky recipients would enjoy the day and consider purchasing for future games. I can assure you all other Premiership clubs have run similar initiatives, perhaps not on such a large scale (but in different circumstances).

I dearly hope Cov will continue to progress on an upward curve and be a Championship team in the near future - the region can support both sides. If you speak to the Cov players, ask them what they think - they love the fact the rugby is being talked about in our area more than ever before. I understand many seasoned Cov fans feel unnerved by it - I've found it all a bit odd, interesting but exciting. I havent lost my love for Cov though and I will be at the Butts as many times as possible next year!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Tip (JJ Teeling) (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 16:24

Stop the squabbling , as any true Rugby supporter should say, support the game first and your team second!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Roger Fox (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 17:25

I think it's time to accept that they are here and not going away. Let us all just continue to support our club and the management for their eforts to do better and improve the stadium. Words like insidious are unhelpful and innaccurate and can only create a negative reaction at the Wasps. Insidious "watching an opportunity to ensnare, deceptive, treacherous". Is that what Wasps have done, or are they only trying to ensure success for their club. Just remember that we once tried to move into and take over Bedford. How did Bedford fans feel about that?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Moosemagic (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 23:32

So, just got in from todays game at the Ricoh, no egg cups to talk about, just my own personal observations.
This was the first Wasps game that i have attended and being a Cov season ticket holder i was interested in what the day had in store, however i would not have gone had it not been for the fact that many of my family were going and i was asked to attend and therefore did.
The glitz is fantastic, and Wasps have created something a bit special, but i still felt that some "feeling" was missing from the "new" Wasps fans and for all the waving of free flags, i still felt that the "home" support was somewhat flat, i am sure this will come in time, however Tiger fans did their job well.
Watching the game was strange, because being neutral i was not bothered in who won but more interested in the calibre of Rugby being played and the playing was better achieved by the Tigers than it was by the "Cuckoos".
Personally, I really enjoyed the experience and forsee Wasps being the biggest club in Europe in the next few years, the whole Ricoh experience was something special and Wasps have a fantastic PR machine, but for me, i felt a little sad that many Coventry people who attended the game had never attended the BPA and some were looking forward to the day when "Cov" would be added to the Wasps name as in Cov Wasps.
In summary a great day out but i felt somewhat like a gooseberry on a first date, would i go again, yes maybe, would i go again if Cov are playing at the BPA? Definately no.
Its big, its brash, its fun, but it ain't Cov!

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2015 23:41

Who won?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Cov Schools (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 09:14

I went too. It was a retirement 'do' so there were a number of us from work there. What Wasps have achieved is remarkable - moved base, moved their matchday operation, and provided an atmosphere which is rather impressive. A virtually full stadium is quite an impressive thing to see, whatever the sport. Similar to Moosie above, I had no 'buy-in' to the game, and we discussed this. In terms of rugby, I would rather have been at Broadstreet yesterday watching the county seniors play, and to celebrate H's massive contribution to rugby in the county, and watch one of my team's players playing at that level. Back to the WvL game.... It was a reasonable game of rugby, I watched some of the players' performances closely (once a coach, always a coach eh?) - in one section of play the Haskell fellow actively participated at 1 out of 15 rucks, missed a key tackle which led to a try, and generally showboated his way around. The match day experience is good - the fanzone is super and a chance to see and talk to people you haven't seen for a while, have an expensive beer or five, and have a good time. Good to see to the OCs U14s on the pitch afterwards, playing against the other teams. As a day goes it was pretty good, but it was because of the day, rather than the teams playing. L played superbly - they and Cocker responded superbly to the charge that they haven't moved with the times - and the home team were conclusively outplayed. A day out yes, a regular day out - no, for me. I support Cov. Not the "cuckoos" - I love that!! With what we have seen this season, Cov are on the up. Let's see if we can generate such crowds in the future and then we can have our own fans village at the BPA, and see crowds to fill our stadium.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 13:51

Cov schools has described most premiership games; razamatazz, dear beer and big blokes bashing into each other.

The issue remains- where are wasps going to call 'base'?

The saints have an ideal set up, all training pitches, gym offices in one site.

Leicester took over Oadby Wyggestonians as their training ground as there isn't the space at welford road.

So, how are wasps going to address this issue? Train in London and play in Coventry? I don't think so......

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 15:41

Why do you keep harping on about this. If they move the rest of their operation to Coventry, they won't want anything Coventry currently has apart from decent supporters.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 19:23

I keep 'carping on' about this as it is a potentially terminal threat to Cov. Rfc.

Am I really the only person to see this?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 19:52

What do you think they actually want from Cov though?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 20:59

Nick, put yourself in their position.

They have the Ricoh, for 1st team games and now apparently lots of money following the bond.

They do not have any local infra structure in terms of training, gyms, offices, contacts, academies.

I have already made the point as to how the Tigers and the Saints have addressed this. The saints bought out a local northampton team, Trinity and Tigers bought out Old Wyggestonians.

You may be right and wasps will go and buy 20 acres somewhere and build their own facility. However, surely it must have featured in their thinking that cov rfc or broadstreet could provide the facilities and at the same time take out the opposition in terms of supporters.

Time alone will tell, but in the commercial world this sort of thing happens all the time.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2015 21:12

The only thing in that list that Coventry has which could be bought is offices. With them comes a grandstand that is too small for Wasps, and a poorly drained pitch.
Cov use a variety of gyms, other clubs' training pitches, and a non rfu academy through a local college.

Yes, Broadstreet could be a possible target, if Wasps were willing to go up against Worcester and the RFU but Coventry do not have sellable assets that could interest them.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:12:17:48:32 by OldNick.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Wazeroonie (IP Logged)
Date: 11/05/2015 22:59

I too was at the Ricoh. I did enjoy the atmosphere (large crowd, big screen, countdown clock, 'fan village' etc), I was with a Leicester fan and to their credit were by far and away the friendliest fans sat around me (and there was a total twonk Wasps fan sitting behind me). I wasn't in the priciest seats -or the cheapest- but for me the rugby was too far away and I felt a bit apart from the action, in fact there were a number of people watching the match on the tv's in the concourse by the toilets. To be honest I don't think I'd bother going again unless invited and not paying! If Cov aren't at home I'd rather start go to see them away or catch a lower league game nearby.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2015 07:39

James treated me to the game as well. The stadium is very impressive; the atmosphere was brilliant - loud and good natured.

Wasps have a band of drummers that sit behind the South stand goal posts. They play a certain beat and the Wasps supporters shout out and wave their flags (absolutely loads of them) throughout the game. I nearly had heart failure when they sent off the fire cannons as the players entered the pitch; it is not good for my heart at my advance age. It got the crowd going and the atmosphere carried on throughout the game.

Even at this early stage of being at the Ricoh you can see that Wasps have made great strides in attracting supporters. James noticed and mentioned how many youngsters were at the game, and he was right. They are the supporters of tomorrow and for years to come. Over the mic came the news that season tickets start at £195… surely that is a very generous price for premiership rugby. If I was a person who had no allegiance to a rugby team in Coventry, I would buy one, but I’m not, I am a Cov supporter and will be going to BPA next season. I will however take in the odd game when Cov are not playing.

Yes, I did enjoy the occasion, and it was superb to see so many England players playing right in front of me.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2015 11:18

'The only thong in that lust' Nick? You've been watching the repeats of Allo Allo again haven't you?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 12/05/2015 17:49

"Quote" ;-)

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 07:12

Quote:

Dixiewasp

All credibility in statements made by Wasps' management when they moved here was destroyed by Wasps when they announced their move to Saturday afternoon matches only a few weeks after moving in.

Your link is to an article written in October - one that therefore can be treated as discarded by their breach of trust.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:13:13:07:35 by OldNick.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: dixiewasp (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 10:40

Old Nick

I can find NO official promise that Wasps proposed to continue to play on
Sundays when they made their move to the Ricoh.

I can find NO official announcement that they will be playing matches on
Saturdays next season.

I can find NO reason why playing matches on Saturdays will invalidate the
official Wasp announcement that they DO plan to build a state-of-the art
training/sports/medical centre in Coventry

[www.coventrytelegraph.net]
will remind you of the announcement that was made 16.4.15 and related
consultations/considerations.

compliments

dixiewasp

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 11:40

Then you need to read their announcements at the time of the move, and their recent application tot he RFU to make their normal match day into Saturday more carefully.

They forfeited any trust by doing one only a few weeks after the other. That is what invalidates commitments from the time of the move.

If you are a Wasps supporter, and not just one of their PR team spouting flannel, you would also know that they have let down two generations of Wasps supporters by moving from London to High Wycomble, and from High Wycombe to Coventry.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: eggshape (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 12:31

Wasps are a big business and if you are a small business in the same area usually you get swallowed up by the bigger business fact.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: covmick1/Michael Carter (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 14:50

OLD NICK

Have you ever thought that some people are trying and succeeding in winding you up ?

covmick/Michael Carter

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 15:44

He's absolutely right though Mick, whatever.
And it's coming from someone who was a Wasps supporter in his earlier years.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 15:51

Whether it's a wind up or not is up to the board moderator / owner to deal with.

I'll just challenge nonsense before it gets established as fact by no one challenging it.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: dixiewasp (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 17:00

Old Nick
" .... they have let down two generations of Wasps supporters"


I've attach a potted Wasps timeline that you may find interesting.
Wasps have never been wealthy but very much a blue collar financially
hand-to-mouth club. You'll see the year it took to buy a home ground
and clubhouse, with players/members digging and installing the pitch
draining I the off-season. You'll see the speed with which Mr. Hall
at Newcastle contracted Wasps senior players and how within years,
both the Wasps ground was sold by QPR and then the share with QPR
was rescinded etc.

I'm not aware of two generations of Wasps support feeling they've
been let down. They've supported their club from their homes/clubs,
all over SE England - and most still can and do.

You may be surprised that as a London based, long-time retired,
public transport-dependent supporter travelling to watch Wasps
from my home in Kilburn NW London - a journey to Loftus Road,
Twickenham, High Wycombe and now the Ricoh takes me about
the same time [the supporters coach via the motorways to the door,
is great]. In London travel is discussed in minutes not miles.
End-to-end tube line travel takes approx 90 mins - equating in
distance, Leicester to Birmingham, with Coventry being around
Trafalgar Square.

my potted timeline
[www.rugbynetwork.net]

and you may also find this of interest giving you a
little insight into your recently arrived rugby neighbours.

Wasps Centenary Publication

eggshaped - "Wasps are a big business"
This time last season, our DiR was buying the players tape from
his own pocket, the players were paid late with the RFC briefly
helped out by a loan from amateur Wasps FC. but how things have
changed within five months !

Be reassured, Wasps have no ambitions to be a Coventry club, let
alone take over CRFC. They are based at the Ricoh - hopefully
attracting new support from all over the Midlands and beyond to
join us travelling old-timers, watching/supporting Wasps - relax !


build a stadium in London
The CCFC seem to be struggling to find land for a new stadium in
Coventry. With London receiving 100,000 new arrivals each year
and councils under pressure from the Government to build homes
on every vacant plot - to find/afford 20-30 acres and get council
planning permission is a bit of a dream. At present newly built
2 bedroom/tower block apartments anywhere in London = £1m a-pop.

Wasps RFC can't believe their good fortune to suddenly have their
own home - for the first time !

compliments

dixiewasp



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:13:17:07:48 by dixiewasp.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: rustyroof (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 18:59

Kilburn to QPR should take you about 45 mins. And, as I understand it, the majority of Wasps support at High Wycombe came from the HW area. How many Wasps supporters have followed them to the Ricoh ? a couple of thousand ?

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 13/05/2015 20:27

Dixiewasp.

No need to try to teach me how to suck eggs.

I was brought up in Wembley, and used to walk or cycle down to their ground at Sudbury before they moved to QPR. I am very well aware of their history.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:13:20:28:16 by OldNick.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: r hess (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 08:03

It is a complete mystery why anyone should want to support Wasps unless they actually enjoy constant travel, regular upheaval and a financial roller coaster. It must be a perverse sense of wanting to live life on the edge?.....

By comparison, Old Nick and I are quite happy to follow a local club that stays where it was founded. How quaint.

Ps. These are my views alone and should not be construed as representing Old Nick in any way. He is busy sucking eggs, which seems yet again to be a constant theme in this thread.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: OldNick (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 08:14

Quote:
r hess
It is a complete mystery why anyone should want to support Wasps unless they actually enjoy constant travel, regular upheaval and a financial roller coaster.

Because, of course, following Coventry hasn't involved constant travel, regular upheaval, and a financial roller coaster over the past couple of decades.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: dixiewasp (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 09:24

r hess
It is a complete mystery why anyone should want to support Wasps unless
they actually enjoy constant travel, regular upheaval and a financial roller coaster.


a] The Wasps RFC move to the Ricoh is it's second move since formation at
the start of professional rugby.

b] The commitment/passion of following a team may often involved extensive
travel about the UK and mainland Europe. I've noted on this site Cov's pride
at the high numbers following their team's away games about England.

c] A Shrewsbury-based Wasp supporter who travelled to High Wycombe for every
home game by public transport for 12 years - is pleased with the Ricoh move.

I'm sure there are folk in Eastbourne living near their local park who then
choose to watch lawn bowls ....... because it's peaceful and convenient -
everyone to his own !

d] I guess the only difference between the two rugby clubs is, supporting
Wasps has nothing to do with municipal pride, but just a team/club that
attracts a wide-spread, diverse, cosmopolitan and dedicated following.

Beware - Wasps RFC now with their first home, financial security and an
end to upheaval .... may end up becoming a second Cov - less the name !


Just to tease may I hint at an Indian owned company, with global support
and a home in Coventry, which has had a roller-coaster financial past, but
is it still a Coventry company ?

dixiewasp



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:14:10:02:56 by dixiewasp.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Jean H (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 11:01

Isn't it time to put this post to bed?????

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Mums the word (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 11:19

Yes, please do. Reading you all talking about our players, our games is far more interesting and you've stopped..smiling smiley



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:05:14:11:20:11 by Mums the word.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Roger Fox (IP Logged)
Date: 14/05/2015 20:05

Quote:
Jean H
Isn't it time to put this post to bed?????

I'll second that. Nothing more to be said and no good to come out of it. They are here, and all the negative comments will not make them go away. Settle down everybody.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2015 17:19

Spot on, Jean and Roger. Let's agree to disagree, to live amiably side by side with each other, whilst having our hearts, loyalty, commitment and energies firmly in the Cov camp.

Re: Only 1,000 tickets left for Wasps RFC's derby showdown with
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud (Dave Roach) (IP Logged)
Date: 15/05/2015 18:07

Now closing this thread.

This Thread has been closed
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