WASPS have been backed by an unexpected source this week, with RFU chief executive John Steele saying they are on the right track with their stadium plans.

Steele was in Bucks on Friday to meet local rugby clubs after replacing Francis Baron in the summer.

He said: “I’ve got some idea about the plans for Wasps and I think they are extremely encouraging. It’s a well thought through and considered development.”

The argument against is that average crowds of 7,000-9,000 don’t justify a new 20,000-seater arena.

But Steele supports Wasps owner Steve Hayes’ view that crowds will move in the right direction if clubs offer the full match-day experience.

He said: “There are very few rugby businesses that don’t need an investor or a benefactor. So let’s not pretend there are plenty of examples of rugby models that will be sustainably profitable into the future.

“But, having said that, if you have the right investor or benefactor and believe you’ve got medium-term investment streams, then why not [build a new stadium]?

“The Premiership is becoming a better and better product, but the rugby fan has got a lot of choice now. On any particular Saturday you can flick on to a number of different matches, from southern hemisphere, Super 14 to Heineken Cup.

“So for clubs to keep their gates moving in the right direction it needs to be a match experience.

Also counting against Wasps is that they are no longer lifting trophies every season.

Steele said: “There tends to be a bit of a cycle. You can’t just ride the crest of a wave all the time, especially when you have a lot of bumper years. You’re bound to have a period where you need to rebuild.

“When you lose key players with their leadership and ability, you need some youngsters to come through and it doesn’t always work on a perfectly smooth rotation. Sometimes you have a couple of lean years.

“But I think Wasps are doing the sensible thing. They’re looking at their facilities, they’ve looked at their squad, looking at developing their youth and looking at the community in the High Wycombe area.

“They’re doing all the right things and they’re a great name in English rugby. They have been since I can remember and I’m sure they will be into the future.”