Wasps deny tax bill claims

Wasps owner Steve Hayes insists the club are not facing a winding-up order over a £1million tax bill.

Hayes expressed his "surprise" at reports which claimed Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs had made the threat earlier this month.

"We remain very confident in the future of London Wasps both on and off the pitch," said Hayes. "There is no winding up petition and I am surprised by these reports given we already have an agreement in place with HMRC."

He added: "The short and long-term prospects at the club, including development of a new stadium, are very exciting and show the good health of London Wasps."

Premier Rugby have been fully briefed on the situation and are confident there are no problems at Wasps or anywhere else in the Guinness Premiership.