‘Players have to ignore rumours’

KIERAN Brookes denied the constant speculation surrounding potential moves for Wasps’ stars was to blame for their poor form this season.

But with rumours about Elliot Daly and others possibly leaving at the end of the season, England prop Brookes insisted: “It’s not an issue. It happens in every professional sport. The players just have to ignore it and get on with doing our best for the club.

“It’s a very disappointing mood in the dressing room. We gave it a go but it wasn’t good enough. They are a very strong side and we just didn’t take our chances when they came.

“We have to pick ourselves up and go down there and try and turn things around. It’s pretty easy to get yourselves motivated for an away game in France. We will go there with a strong team and try and take it to them.”

Defiant tight-head star Brookes added: “I took a blow to the ribs but it’s not anything that will stop me playing next weekend.”