Wasps to stage first match at Ricoh Arena in December

Wasps will stage their first game at their new home in Coventry against Castres or London Irish in December, the club have announced.

The two-times European champions have acquired a 50 per cent interest in the Ricoh Arena after Coventry City Council voted in favour of selling their controlling interest in Arena Coventry Limited (ACL).

Wasps will continue to play at their existing ground at Adams Park, which is shared with Wycombe Wanderers, until December.

The decision to move the club to Coventry has angered supporters, but chief executive Nick Eastwood insists it was taken in the best interests of the club.

"This is a watershed moment in the history of Wasps and the professional game," Eastwood said.

"It will help us realise our ambition to re-establish ourselves as one of the best teams in Europe and will guarantee the long-term success of the club.

"We fully appreciate this move will unsettle many of our supporters and I would like to stress that this decision has not been taken lightly."