Wasps are past due for a resurgence. Since their surprise victory in 2008 they haven’t finished higher than 5th and just barely avoided relegation in 2012. Last season started poorly and ended with an absolute pasting at Franklin’s Gardens, but somehow they scraped together enough points to earn a playoff with Stade Francais, a two-game series they miraculously won to qualify for the new-look European Cup. It was a small consolation, but at least something for the supporters to grab onto.
The off-season has given them considerably more, as Dai Young has imported several big-name stars to the club in the aim of returning to the top of the table, or at the very least the top half. Add to that a re-branding of sorts, with the ‘London’ dropped from their name, and there’s a hint of rebirth in the air. While the new names are no guarantee of success, they are, on paper at least, a significant upgrade from a year ago.
The first big name announced was Bradley Davies, a terrific signing who will add real grunt to the pack, and hopefully allow Joe Launchbury some rest after being flogged near to death by club and country. Similarly important will be Italian tighthead Lorenzo Cittadini. First choice no3 Jake Cooper-Woolley had a fine season but isn’t quite the finished article and could certainly do with a bit more rest than he was afforded.
Ruaridh Jackson is an interesting signing. At his best he is a solid player, the knock against him is his lack of consistency, both with Glasgow and Scotland. Hopefully a change of scenery will do him some good. Two Sale recruits will also hope to enhance their careers, with lanky back rower James Gaskell – sure to cause plenty of confusion on account of his name – and streaky fullback Rob Miller both recent England Saxons selections without really looking likely to step up to international level as yet.
By far the biggest problem last season was a lack of game-breakers in the backs. One has to sympathise somewhat in that star wingers Christian Wade and Tom Varndell were both laid up for most of the season, so too Italian veteran Andrea Masi, and while the likes of Chris Bell and Viliami Helu did as well as could be expected, it was clearly a notch below what was required. In to provide an immediate boost are Samoan internationals Alapati Leiua and Sailosi Tagicakibau, both fresh off good showings in Super Rugby. Leiua is the real diamond here, more on him below.
Though it will doubtless take time to integrate the signings, they are all quality enough players that they should fit in fairly quickly. Added with the return to fitness of their speed merchants it should feel like a whole new backline, certainly one with infinitely more potential to score points. Defense was a big issue last season, but as the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. Don’t expect any quantum leaps, but an improvement of one or two spots on the table sounds about right.
HEAD COACH – Dai Young
The former Cardiff Blues maestro has had some rough going but has lifted his side up four positions since narrowly escaping the drop three seasons ago. With two solid years of recruitment he should have a squad capable of competing with the big dogs if they play their best. He’s got a couple years still to run on the extension he signed last year, but if Wasps don’t take another step or two up the ladder this season he could find his position under some pressure.
CAPTAIN – James Haskell
It was a career revival of sorts for one of the club’s senior servants. Strong club form prompted a recall to the England fold, and the ascendency to club captain appeared a mere formality. Though ‘the brand’ is still a point of amusement for opposition fans, he seems to have matured and at long last is fulfilling the role he’s looked destined to play since the days of Dallaglio.
KEY PLAYER – Nathan Hughes
Those who had seen him play for Auckland had an idea of what Wasps were getting. By the end of the season, all of England knew what Wasps had. A physical specimen and an impressive athlete, his offloading ability sets him apart from other big brutes. Amidst whispers that he could eventually turn out for England, it would be a real shame if he doesn’t turn out for Fiji in the coming World Cup.
ONE TO WATCH – Christian Wade
After missing two-thirds of the season with a worrying foot injury, one of the Premiership’s most electric runners is fit again and ready to cause havoc. Just having him on the pitch opens space on the inside. Wasps will be desperate to keep him on the pitch this season, with England honours sure to follow if they manage it.
BIG SIGNING – Alapati Leiua
Quite possibly the most impressive signing in the off-season by any club, the dynamite Samoan was finally given the chance to impress in the midfield for the Hurricanes and took his chance with both hands and then some. A blockbusting runner with pace and power, and a bruising tackler, he is a danger every time he touches the ball, exactly what the Wasps needed most. Expect him to make the headlines early and often.
SIGNIFICANT TRANSFERS
IN – John Yapp (London Irish), Lorenzo Cittadini (Treviso), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), James Gaskell (Sale), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow), Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes), Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish), Rob Miller (Sale)
OUT – Tom Palmer (Gloucester), Joe Carlisle (Treviso), Charlie Hayter (England 7s)
