Frustrated Simpson may be forced to look elsewhere

WASPS scrum-half Joe Simpson admits playing second fiddle to Dan Robson is messing with his head as he ponders following James Haskell and Danny Cipriani through the exit door.

Simpson, capped once by England in 2011, believes his best rugby is to come, but the 29-year-old has been forced to take a back seat role this season, starting just six Premiership games and averaging 34 minutes per league game compared to Robson’s 56.

With Robson widely touted for an England callup, Simpson is something of a forgotten man. The frustrated pivot, right, said: “That (Dan Robson) situation doesn’t bug me, it’s the fact that I’m not getting as much game time as I’d like that needles me.

“Not playing messes with my head and if you’re on the bench and don’t get on, as was the case against Exeter recently, there’s absolutely a problem.

“I still think I’m a top No.9 and a Premiership starter and when you’ve got two players who have the ability to start in the Premiership, that’s what every team wants.

“You want guys who you can bring on and stay fresh, but that hasn’t been the case with me; it’s not been the most enjoyable of seasons because I feel like I’ve got a good deal more to offer and that there are improvements to my game I can still make.

“I don’t feel I’ve reached my peak yet and the body feels as fresh as I’ve ever felt. Mentally I still feel hungry, I’m just desperate to be playing more rugby.” Simpson admits he may eventually have to look elsewhere, although he insists there is no questioning his commitment as Wasps target the Premiership title. Asked whether he might seek a move, Simpson explained: “Everyone has those thoughts – you’d be foolish not to because I’ve seen too many friends caught without a club. But I have this season and I’m contracted for next year so I’m just going to try and enjoy my rugby and try to win titles for Wasps. After that, who knows?

“I’ve spoken to (rugby director) Dai Young and he knows I must be frustrated. I’m quite a competitive person, but what I will also do is give my all in that 23.

“Whether I’m starting or on the bench I’ll give my best and try not to sulk, but when you get home having not played it can be pretty disheartening.”

Simpson’s cameo from the bench helped Wasps recover to secure a dramatic 25-all draw at Gloucester last week, maintaining their title charge.

They face London Irish today, with Simpson adding: “Irish are a dangerous beast after beating Worcester and we know they’ll be well drilled.

“They don’t concede many points so we need to make sure that first and foremost we win and then put on a decent display.”