Tom May: Something must be done to help English rugby clubs

Twice capped former England back Tom May says that something has to be done to prevent more clubs going to the wall in England.

Wasps went into administration yesterday, just 12 days after fellow Gallagher Premiership side Worcester Warriors were wound up, meaning the top club rugby competition there has just 11 teams left.

Wasps have won six Premierships titles, as well as two Champions Cups, but they owed the UK's revenue more than €2.3million in unpaid taxes.

Speaking on RTÉ's Game On, May suggested that it might not be the end of the turmoil either.

"It's a big blow for everyone involved in the game here in England," he said.

"It's been a tough three weeks. It's been coming for a while and we've known it's been coming. If rumours are to be believed, there are one or two more creaking.

"It's a difficult time and clearly yesterday was a very dark day for rugby. From a Wasps perspective, more than 160 people lost their jobs yesterday.

"It's a tough time and something needs to be done quickly to sort this out."

Speaking today, Rugby Football Union chairman Tom Ilube said Wasps will be given every opportunity to secure their long-term survival.

Administrators FRP are seeking new buyers but the it is understood they encountered a significant setback on Monday night when Terminum Capital withdrew its interest.

They were seen as serious and credible buyers and were introduced to the RFU and Premiership Rugby last week, only to be put off when told Wasps' P share would not be included in the purchase.

P shares were allocated to 13 clubs in 2005, giving them access to central funding and voting rights on issues relating to the league, and are viewed as a vital part of any deal by investors.

A successful takeover would see Wasps'