Wasps admit late payments (From Bucks Free Press)

Wasps put wage delays down to 'administrative error

9:57am Sunday 6th January 2013 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

WASPS have admitted that they were late paying some wages in November, although the club claims it was due to an administrative error rather than a lack of funds.

It's been reported that eight players found out before Wasps' defeat in Exeter that their wages hadn't gone into their accounts.

Payments have since caught up, although this latest episode again raises doubts about the club's financial security.

A consortium led by Ken Moss staved off administration in the summer, when previous owner Steve Hayes turned off the financial tap, but Wasps are still seeking a long-term solution.

The club, which is about £2m in debt and is in the lowest credit rating bracket, is believed to have lined up an Irish investor.

Wasps said in a statement: "London Wasps can confirm that a very small number of employees received their monthly pay for November 2012 late due to an administrative error.

"This was a regrettable situation which was fully communicated to those affected and was resolved swiftly."

Despite the uncertainty, Wasps are enjoying their best season for a while and will rise to fourth in the Aviva Premiership table if they beat Bath at Adams Park this afternoon.

Young stars Joe Launchbury and Christian Wade have also recently signed contract extensions, and Billy Vunipola is expected to follow suit shortly.