WASPS are relishing the prospect of a four-way battle with Worcester Warriors, Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers for Midlands bragging rights.

Wasps’ deputy chairman Nick Eastwood congratulated Warriors on their return to the Aviva Premiership and is excited about next season’s derbies.

Eastwood said: “Many congratulations to Worcester Warriors for winning promotion back to the Premiership after only one season away.

“All credit should go to Dean Ryan, his coaching team, support staff and squad for winning promotion and coming straight back up.

“We have had some tough games against Worcester in recent times and look forward to playing them again next season and to welcoming them to the Ricoh Arena.”

Wasps have an army of new supporters since their December switch from Wycombe to play matches in Coventry, around 45 miles from Worcester.

Eastwood: “We appreciate we are still very much the new boys on the Midlands block, but there is a huge appetite for rugby in the Midlands.”