Blackett confirmed as man to follow Dai

WASPS have appointed interim boss Lee Blackett as the club’s permanent head coach.

The 37-year-old stepped up from his position as attack and backs coach to replace the outgoing Dai Young on a temporary basis in February.

During his interim spell, Blackett won three of his four matches in charge to move within two points of fourth-placed Northampton before the coronavirus pandemic curtailed action.

He impressed club chiefs enough to be given a new contract on a full-time basis.

Blackett has reshaped his coaching staff, with Pete Atkinson joining as head of performance when his current contract with the Italian Rugby Union expires.

Richard Blaze, currently working with the England Women’s team, also takes up the position as forwards coach, replacing Andy Titterrell who has left the club.

“The last few months have been fantastic, and I can’t thank the coaches, players, staff and supporters enough for the support they’ve given me,” Blackett said.

“I’m really excited to have the chance to work with Pete and Richard as we prepare to get the team back playing again and hopefully deliver the success this club deserves.

“I’d also like to place on record my thanks to Andy for his time at Wasps.

“He’s a very popular member of the group and we wish him well in his next venture.”

■ Exeter Chiefs lock Jannes Kirsten has signed a new contract with the Premiership club.

The 26-year-old South African has scored three tries in 22 appearances since joining the Devon outfit on a one-year deal last summer.

Kirsten, who can also play in the back row, moved to Sandy Park from the Super Rugby side Blue Bulls.

“Jannes has had a great season so far,” Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter told the club website.

“From the moment he turned up from South Africa, he’s just got on with things and he’s really done everything we have asked of him, in fairness.”

Exeter, who are top of the Premiership table, have not disclosed the length of Kirsten’s new contract.

The 2019-20 campaign has been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Premiership Rugby intends to complete the season “as soon as it can be done safely”.

There are nine rounds of the regular season remaining, with the Twickenham final originally planned for 20 June.

Exeter have reached the last four finals, but their only win came in 2017 when they beat Wasps 23-20.