A Bright Future Beckons For Wasps
London Wasps coach Dai Young has described the injury crisis at the club as 'cruel luck' and he is not far wrong. Plagued by an abnormal amount of injuries throughout the season, it is difficult to remember a similar situation in recent rugby history. Young went on to state that after analysis of training methods, most of the injuries received by his team were due to impact in game situations, adding to the idea that it really is 'cruel luck' that has been inflicted on Wasps this season.
The extent and hard-hitting nature of these injuries has left Wasps stranded at the wrong end of the Aviva Premiership, just six points above Newcastle Falcons at the foot of the table. It's an unaccustomed position for the club who have enjoyed so much success in the professional era, and certainly signals the beginning of a rebuilding era.
Beyond the almost endless injury list has been the unforeseen retirements of stars such as Joe Worsley and Steve Thompson, as well as the departure of club stalwart Simon Shaw across the Channel. Although each brought considerable ability on the field to the table, it is arguably their leadership which is missed the most, with the club having to resort to fielding younger and younger sides as the season has gone on.
The most debilitating aspect for the club however has not been on the field, but rather in the boardroom. Owner Steve Hayes put the club up for sale following his proposal to build a new stadium for the club being turned down and it has been difficult for the club to attract new players, or even extend the contracts of their current squad, when there is such an air of uncertainty surrounding the long-term future at Adams Park.
There is, however, a light beginning to appear at the end of what has seemed like a very long and dark tunnel for Wasps fans. The club announced recently that they are in advanced talks with four different parties about taking over the club from Hayes and should all go to plan then they could well be announcing the identity of their new owner or owners within the next few weeks. Throw into the mix the re-signing of Tim Payne and Hugo Southwell to new deals, the arrival of Rhys Thomas and Lee Thomas, both former protégés of Youngs at the Cardiff Blues, and the return of England international James Haskell to the club next season and things are looking a little brighter in High Wycombe.
There is also somewhat of a silver lining to the rather dark clouds that have been surrounding the club of late and that is the emergence of several very talented young players. The injury crisis, in an odd twist of fate, may well have helped secure the long-term success of the club, causing for a number of younger and untested, but extremely talented, players come to the fore. The likes of Joe Launchbury and Christian Wade have both put in performances that has made the England management sit up and take notice, whilst Elliot Daly and Billy Vunipola have also done extremely well in taking the big step up to first XV rugby. Their arrival on the first team scene for Wasps has been a testament to the club's already prestigious academy program that has mentored legendary players such as Lawrence Dallaglio.
The key for Wasps this season has to be to maintain their status as a Premiership side, a drop down to the Championship is almost unthinkable when you consider the club was competing for titles so recently. The added difficulty in attracting top class players to a club in the Championship would put Wasps rebuilding plans back years, despite the exemplary showings of both Harlequins and Northampton Saints following their returns from the Championship in the last decade. While Premiership glory is a way off, it is important not to forget that Wasps are still in the Amlin Challenge Cup, with a quarter final against French side Biarritz yet to be played, and a decent run in the competition will help give loyal fans something to cheer about in what has been a depressing season.
There are a lot of 'ifs' and 'maybes' surrounding the future of the club, but it is certainly now moving in the right direction. If new owners can be found sooner rather than later, and if the current injury ravaged squad can perform well enough to keep the team in the Premiership, then a return to former glories may not be too far off. With a host of young talent ready to breakthrough, and top quality players such as Tom Rees, Tom Varndell and Dominic Walduock, the key for Wasps has to be to remain healthy next season, as on their day, they can beat almost anyone, as illustrated by their impressive victories over reigning champions Saracens and fierce rivals Leicester Tigers in their opening two games.
An anxious end to the season now awaits Wasps' fans, who will have one eye on the on field performances of their side, and one on any possible boardroom manoeuvrings. One thing is certain though, come hell or high water, the Wasps faithful will be standing by their team. Allez Wasps.
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