Rowlands will be at Wasps for restart of season - Blackett
WILL Rowlands will ‘definitely’ be in contention to play for Wasps as they prepare for the resumption of the Gallagher Premiership campaign.
The second row has been linked with a move to join the Dragons to further his international ambitions after making his Test debut for Wales in February.
However, the 6ft 6in tall forward has played a full role in the resumption of Wasps’ training at their Broadstreet RFC base as they build for the trip to Franklin’s Gardens to face Northampton Saints on Sunday, August 16. Lee Blackett, appointed as permanent head coach following a successful period in temporary charge prior to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, confirmed the lock is in line to add to the 85 appearances he has made since making his Wasps debut more than seven years ago.
“I fully expect Will to be here for the restart of the season, definitely,” said Blackett.
The news will be a relief for Wasps fans who have already seen second row Charlie Matthews, who made 15
appearances prior to the suspension of the season, depart to play his rugby in Japan.
Long-serving lock James Gaskell has been limited to just four appearances due to a succession of injuries. During a podcast appearance in June, the former Sale Sharks forward revealed he had faced doubts over his body’s ability to bounce back from recurring physical setbacks.
But it seems Gaskell, nicknamed ‘Jamma’ could be in contention for Wasps’ first game in 23 weeks when the Premiership reconvenes.
“Jamma has been on and off but he is more or less fully fit,” said Blackett. “We expect him back. He has trained so he has got over his injury but he has had a bit of a niggle in the past couple of weeks but he’s expected back in training at the end of this week.”
Wasps’ trip to Northampton Saints on August 16 will be followed by back-to-back Ricoh Arena matches against Worcester Warriors on Friday, August 21, followed by Sale Sharks’ visit on Tuesday, August 25. The first block of four fixtures is completed by an away match at Bath on Monday, August 31.