Former Premiership club Wasps have moved a step closer to a return to professional rugby by securing land to build a new stadium in Kent.

The six-time Premiership title winners were relegated after going into administration two years ago with debts of £95m.

They were then subsequently barred from competing in the Championship last season but have applied to re-enter the second tier for 2025-26.

Club owner Christopher Holland said the club had secured a 10-year option on private land as part of a wider development scheme in Swanley, Kent.

“It is rewarding that we have managed to achieve this milestone with the support of key stakeholders,” he said.

“It brings our aspiration of a new home in the region closer and hopefully demonstrates our determination to recover Wasps sustainably.”

Sevenoaks District Council said the stadium development on the outskirts of Swanley had been promoted by the club as part of the area’s new local plan and the public would be able to have their say before the plan is finalised.

“Further down the line, the Wasps proposals would require planning consent, which again would give the public an opportunity to have their say and actively engage in the process,” a council spokesman said.