Break-up of squad gets underway
THE break-up of Wasps’ squad following the club entering into administration appears underway after reports emerged of star talent attracting interest from top-flight clubs.
Wasps announced on Monday that 167 members of staff, including all players and coaching staff, were being made redundant with immediate effect.
While chief executive Stephen Vaughan is hopeful a takeover deal could still be completed so the club can participate in the Championship next season, there’s a clear race against time to keep the group together.
Star flanker Jack Willis was named in the latest England squad for the Autumn internationals on Monday, but a few hours later, found himself out of work.
The 2019/20 player of the season will likely not be short of suitors and it has been claimed, by The Rugby Paper, that Bristol Bears are in for the 25-year-old international.
Long-serving captain Joe Launchbury has been absent from recent England squads, largely due to a nagging hip injury, but will have aspirations of making it to the World Cup in France next year.
The 70-cap lock has been linked with a move to Harlequins, speculation that wasn’t dismissed by club legend Lawrence Dallaglio during BT Sport’s coverage of Harlequins against Leicester Tigers on Sunday.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Wasps’ longest-serving player hinted that he is set for a move when he wrote: “I’m not sure I will ever get over the news today but I will try my best to move forward and support my family.”
Prop Biyi Alo has already been linked with a move to France and a number of other players are also exploring the French market for opportunities.
After being told they were being made redundant on Monday, Wasps’ players were given some hope of wearing the club’s colours again if a takeover bid is secured in the coming days. However, the Telegraph understands this was met with mixed feelings as the initial news of being axed had yet to sink in.
The Elite Performance and Innovation Centre in Henley-inarden, which is owned by Wasps chief operating officer Chris Holland, has remained open and insured for players to train and stay fit while work continues behind the scenes for a buyer for the rugby club.