Wasps link-up a huge boost for Stratford RFC and the town

Stratford director of rugby Tom Rance was the man who negotiated the deal and he is excited about the prospects this could bring to Pearcecroft and the town itself.

“It’s a huge step forward not just the club, but the town,” said Rance.

“It’s also a mark of how far we have come, to gain such recognition with a club who, off the field, have been the best in Europe.

“We will be in a partnership with a club that will be matching the likes of Toulon in a few years. To have Stratford linked to a club with that success is fantastic.”

Wasps have worked tirelessly at setting up new links in the area following their controversial switch from High Wycombe to Coventry in December 2014.

They have already struck up deals with nearby Sutton Coldfield and Camp Hill, but the agreement with Stratford is the first of its kind to take place in Warwickshire.

Rance said: “Wasps moving to the area enabled us to look at a fresh approach at the way we develop our players.

“Their community outreach enabled us to speak to them and to see if our values and ethos fit in with the way they view junior rugby should be taken on.

“Now we are in a partnership, I’m pleased to say we can utilise their expertise and deliver a different style of coaching.

“It also gives us the opportunity of going into local schools and offer expertise on coaching styles and patterns.

“The agreement will bring so many benefits to the local community.”

Neal Coupland, head of community at Wasps, says Stratford was the perfect fit for the Ricoh Arena outfit.

Coupland said: “It’s an incredibly strong area for rugby and the club has a rich tradition.

“We were very keen to be partners with Stratford. Geographically, it sits very well and they are very pro-active in their approach.

“They were also keen to promote girls’ and women’s rugby, which matches our beliefs.”

Part of the deal will see Wasps hold a ‘Stratford Takeover Day’ on 3rd April.

The event is likely to see around 500 members of Stratford RFC head to the Ricoh for the Premiership clash against Northampton Saints.

Stratford players will provide a guard of honour for the game, while the club’s youngsters will play in a mini rugby tournament at half-time.

Wasps will also present Stratford with a cheque, where they will hand back 20 per cent of the day’s gate receipts to the club as part of their community cashback scheme.