More big games enhancing England chances made Dan’s decision a NO-BRAINER
WASPS STAR EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE AFTER PUTTING PEN TO PAPER
DAN Robson has no doubts the decision to stay on at Wasps was the right one – with the scrum-half believing the high-profile games he plays in can only strengthen his international chances.
The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal this week just days before a national newspaper claimed Wasps’ star players wanted away from the club due to training ground and alleged financial issues.
“When Dai approached my agent and said he wanted to extend my contract, it was a no-brainer for me,” said Robson.
“I’m happy here, I feel like I am playing good rugby. We’ve been there or there abouts the past few years. I’m excited for the future.”
Joe Launchbury, Elliot Daly and Christian Wade were named as the key players who allegedly wanted to leave Wasps at the end of their contracts due to the issues – but on current form this season – Robson’s name can now be thrust into the club’s elite players.
Having risen from being Plan B to Joe Simpson, to an even keel last season, to Dai Young’s first choice this season, Robson stressed it was his game-time opportunities and Wasps’ ambitions that saw him sign on the dotted line.
“The playing time helps,” said the former Gloucester half-back.
“It’s great here, I feel like I am playing well. And the last few years we’ve had semi-finals, finals, European quarter-finals, semi-finals. That’s why we play the game.
“We play to be involved in those big games and embrace that and learn from things. I feel like we’re only going up at the minute. There’s been some big signings here in the past couple of years and that’s going to continue the growth in Coventry and Warwickshire. People are enjoying coming to watch us. Our attendance is going up, it’s an exciting time to be a Wasp and it’s something I want to continue.”
Robson has made no secret of his international ambitions and was heavily linked with an England call-up during the Six Nations following Ben Youngs’ injury against Italy in the opening round of fixtures.
Richard Wigglesworth was called up instead as England lost three of their remaining four games to suffer their lowest finish for 35 years.
But with a summer tour to South Africa ahead for Eddie Jones’ side, and Robson leading Wasps’ charge to another Aviva Premiership semi-final, the talented back feels he is in the best place to get that long-awaited call-up.
He said: “You get judged on these highprofile games. If you’re playing in Premiership semi-finals, finals, European quarter-finals, semi-finals then you’ve got that stage to put on a show and put in a quality performance.
“Those are the games that really catch the eyes of coaches and prove you can do it at that level.
“I’ve made no plans for the summer yet, it’s a long, long way away from me.
“As I’ve always said, it’s about playing well and hopefully we can get this semi-final and it gives me another chance to prove myself at that level.”
Wasps can secure a play-off semifinal place if they manage to defeat Northampton Saints with a bonus point on Sunday and Newcastle Falcons defeat Leicester Tigers tonight.
But Robson, and Wasps, are taking nothing for granted after Northampton defied the league table to land a surprise victory over Tigers at Welford Road a fortnight ago.
“We know they’re going to be dangerous as they proved the other week against Leicester,” said Robson.
“If you’ve got that ‘nothing to lose’ mentality it can be a massively positive thing and it can also be a hindrance.
“We’ve got to play on that and really go out there and put our marker down.
“We’re at home, we’ve got that topfour spot to play for and we’re going to go out there and show that.”