Young’s new Wasps deal rules out Wales hopes
THOMAS Young has signed a new contract at Wasps that rules him out of international selection for Wales.
Despite consistently high performances for the Gallagher Premiership club, Young has only managed to earn three caps for his country so far.
However, with his deal up at the end of the current season, there was speculation the 28-year-old could return to Wales to keep his hopes of international selection alive – with Young well short of the 60 caps required to continuing playing for Wales while plying his trade in England.
Despite the departure of his dad, Dai Young, as director of rugby, the openside flanker has decided to extend his stay with the club.
It’s understood he was not actually offered a deal by any of the Welsh regions.
Speaking about the decision to sign a new contract, Young said: “I’ve made some great friends at this club and I want to achieve something special with them.”
Having made his Test debut on the 2017 tour of Tonga and Samoa, Young’s last Test appearance came against Italy in the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam-winning campaign when then-coach Warren Gatland rang the changes to his starting line-up.
Young impressed in his Six Nations debut and was denied a first try for his country late on after his score was ruled out by the TMO.
Since then, Young has had injury issues to contend with and missed out on the World Cup squad and the 2020 Six Nations.
Speaking about Young, Wasps coach Lee Blackett said: “Thomas is a hugely influential member of the squad on and off the field.
“He captained the side on several occasions last year and has developed into a real leader.”