Duo set for Wasps swap in summer

WASPS’ four games in 22 days have been labelled as ‘pivotal’ by their longest serving player.

Joe Simpson, speaking before his switch to Gloucester at the end of the season was announced, remains hopeful the Black and Golds can turn around a run of form that has seen them win twice in 13 games to lie sixth in the Gallagher Premiership.

“We know these next four games are going to be season defining, people are throwing that out there the whole time but a poor block of four, we’re really out of the running.

“A good block of four and we get the internationals back slightly later on, then it’s all to play for. We know how pivotal this is.”

Wasps have a free weekend ahead but then tackle Bristol Bears, Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons between Friday, February 15 and Saturday, March 9.

Simpson (pictured) added: “Quite a few members of the squad have been in those semifinals, pushing for the top of the league and a lot of the new boys haven’t.

“That’s an experience they are all desperate to have and not being in the top four for a club as good as Wasps would be tough to take but we have had our fair share of bad luck.

“It’s a period where we really need to stick together. There’s been a lot written about us, a lot said about us and that can distract the boys and can distract the whole vibe.

“It’s a time where we need to get together closer than ever. We can’t have corners where people are going moaning.

“We need a whole squad, a whole 23. Every single member of the squad and the Academy and the coaching staff pulling together and pushing in the right direction, if this block of four doesn’t go well, we are in trouble.”