Wasps lock James Gaskell pens new deal

Wasps have announced that lock James Gaskell has penned a new deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.

The 29-year-old made his professional rugby debut with Sale Sharks in 2008 and went on to captain the club at the age of 20 becoming the youngest ever captain. He also won the club’s Academy Player of the Season award and Breakthrough Player of the Season award in consecutive years apart from being Players’ Player of the Season in 2010.

Gaskell moved to Wasps ahead of the 2014/15 season and has racked up 108 appearances for the Ricoh Arena outfit since then including 20 this season. He also captained England Saxons and represented England at the Under 18 and Under 20 levels.

“I’m really enjoying my time here and it’s been a fantastic five years. I want to help contribute to this team to try and bring us success while also bringing on the next generation," he told the official website of the club.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of players who are all very tight-knit, and with so many of us signing new deals it just shows you that we’re all buying into the Club and hopefully that consistency will help drive performances on the field too.”

Meanwhile, Wasps director of rugby Dai Young lavished praise on Gaskell and his contribution to the club.

“Jammer is a fantastic bloke and he’s always someone you can rely on.

“He constantly gives 110 per cent and he’s exactly the kind of leader you want within your squad as he’s a role model for some of the younger players coming through.

“What’s extremely important for us is building some continuity and stability within the squad and with 13 guys having signed new deals in the last six months, we’ve got a core group of players who are now set to be here for the next couple of seasons or so.

“What’s more is that a lot of these guys have a great deal of experience – and having them commit is a real statement in terms of what we’re looking to build upon here at the club.”