YOUNG TO END HIS WALES PROSPECTS WITH WASPS DEAL

WALES back-rower Thomas Young is set to turn his back on international rugby and sign a new deal with Wasps, according to reports.

Young, who turns 28 next month, has just three caps for Wales despite his consistently high levels of performances for Wasps over the last few seasons.

And his coach at the English Premiership giants says he is ready to put pen to paper on a new contract with Wasps.

Young’s last Test appearance came against Italy in the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign when thenWales coach Warren Gatland rung the changes to his starting line-up.

Since then, Young has had injury issues to contend with and missed out on the World Cup squad and the 2020 Six Nations.

Young falls well short of the 60-cap ruling which makes exiles eligible to play for Wales if they sign deals away from the four Welsh regions.

And Lee Blackett, who has replaced David Young in charge, says he expects Thomas to put pen to paper on a new deal, which would put paid to any further international ambitions.

“I fully expect Thomas to be here next year,” Blackett told The Rugby Paper.

“He spoke to me personally about how much he loved the club and how much he loves the players and the group.

“It amazed me actually and I’m hoping we’ll get something across the line in the near future.

“The big thing for him is the players around him. Thomas is driven to be the best he can be for Wasps.

“He’s built some unbelievable friendships with the players here and he fully wants to be here, performing to his best with them.”

News that Young is ready to remain with Wasps follows reports stating centre duo Hadleigh Parkes and Owen Williams are poised to say goodbye to their Wales careers by moving to Japan.

Another Wales star, Tomas

Francis, faces a club versus country dilemma next year as he has to decide whether to stay with Exeter, or join a Welsh region.

Francis falls 12 short of the 60-cap landmark required by exiles and admits he faces an agonising choice over his future when his current Exeter deal runs out.

Shane believes namesake Owen Williams will be a bigger loss to Wales than Parkes, as he suits Wayne Pivac’s more creative style, while Francis would also be a big miss.

However, Young has previously found Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric in his way, while there is also a crop of talented young opensides coming through in Wales.