Wasps trio give boss a boost with new deals confirmed
WASPS boss Lee Blackett has expressed delight after three stars extended their contracts with the club.
Scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme plus props Biyi Alo and Tom West all committed their futures to the Ricoh Arena-based outfit this week.
Wolstenholme came off the bench to make his Premiership debut at Gloucester, last October.
The 20-year-old has now made eight first team appearances and scored two tries in the European Challenge Cup victory in Agen.
After joining Coventry at the beginning of the 2018/19 season, Alo was brought into the Wasps squad as injury cover and made his first team debut in a narrow defeat at Leicester.
He became a full-time squad member this season and a series of strong performances has made him a firstteam regular.
Watson was part of the England Under-20 side which won the Junior World Cup in 2016 and made his Wasps debut later that year, in an Anglo-welsh Cup game at Sale.
He came off the bench to make his Premiership debut at home to Saracens in January 2018.
So far this season he has played twelve times, including his European debut, away to Edinburgh.
Wasps boss Lee Blackett said: “We’ve been delighted with the progress of Sam this year. With Ben Vellacott being injured most of the season it put a lot of pressure on our strength in depth at nine. Every time Sam has played, he’s been impressive. He is a mature rugby player for someone his age, leads well and is a Wasps type of nine with the ability to speed a game up.”
Blackett added: “Biyi is a very popular member of the squad and has worked hard at his game since arriving at Wasps. He’s done well on and off the field and deservedly got his opportunities recently. His setpiece game has improved massively, while still being a big threat with ball in hand around the field. We look forward to working with Biyi as we still feel he will only get better.
“Westy is someone we’ve worked with closely from a young age and we’re pleased he’s decided that his future is here at Wasps. It was pleasing to see his performances recently in a Wasps jersey backing up the years of hard work.”
Every time Sam has played, he’s been impressive. He is a mature rugby player for someone his age. Lee Blackett