THANK YOU AND GOOD DAI!
WASPS CONFIRM DEPARTURE OF YOUNG AS BOSS THANKS FANS FOR ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ SUPPORT
DAI Young believed it was the right time for him and Wasps to leave his role as director of rugby. The Welshman, who joined the Wasps in 2011, ‘stepped back’ from first-team duties last week in a story exclusively broken online by CoventryLive.
Yesterday, the club released an official statement that confirmed Young’s time at the Ricoh Arena outfit was over.
In it, the departing boss thanked
Wasps fans for their ‘unbelievable’ support.
He said: “I am extremely proud of my record during my time at Wasps and was extremely honoured to receive the Director of Rugby of the Season award in 2017. It was proper recognition of all we had achieved as a squad leading up to that season.
“I am very proud of the part I played in developing players who have gone on to play for their countries, like club captain Joe Launchbury.
“It will be tough to leave a club and group of people that has meant so much to me over the past decade, but I feel this is the right time for both the club and myself. I would like to thank all the players, past and present, and the staff I have worked with, especially my heads of department who have become like family.
“I would also like to thank the Wasps fans who have been unbelievable in their support of me and the club, particularly during the tougher times. Their loyalty and support have meant a great deal to all of us and has made my journey even more special.
“It has been a fantastic experience for myself and my family. My wife April and I look forward to following
Wasps in the future and supporting Thomas as proud parents from the stands. Wasps has been a huge part of my life and I wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the future.”
Club chairman Derek Richardson, inset left, paid tribute to the departing boss.
“I’d like to place my sincere thanks on record to Dai for his hard work and support over the years,” said the club owner. “He has done a tremendous job and, in particular, I’d like to thank him for his advice and help when I first became involved with the
club, and also his support for the move to Coventry in 2014.
“We have enjoyed some very special moments and they will always be remembered fondly.
“I’d like to wish Dai all the best in his future endeavours. He will always be considered a Wasps Legend and will always be welcome at The Ricoh.”
Wasps Chief Executive (Sport) Stephen Vaughan said: “Nine years is a long time at one club in professional sport and Dai has done a wonderful job. His commitment and loyalty to the club has gone far beyond the traditional role of a Director of Rugby, as many Wasps fans and staff who have worked with him will understand.
“In my short time at the club, he has been a great person to work with but after extensive conversations, we’ve agreed that it’s the right time for a change. We’d like to thank him for his fantastic service and wish him the best of luck in the future. Our focus now is to ensure we have a plan in place to take the club forward. It’s important we take the time to make the right decisions as we enter a new era for the club.”
Lee Blackett has stepped up from Attack & Backs Coach to become Interim Head Coach, supported by Ian Costello (Defence Coach), Andy Titterrell (Forwards Coach), Matt Everard (Transition Coach) and Martin Gleeson (Assistant Attack Coach).