It has been an eventful season for all of our Aviva Premiership clubs however I think that it is fair to say that Wasps and their supporters have had more to handle than most.
The initial announcement of their relocation to Coventry caused an emotional response from fans that hadn’t been expecting such a move to occur. However once the facts were quickly laid out on the table regarding their financial pressures and unstable future should they have stayed in High Wycombe the relocation was largely accepted. The manner in which the club handled this time and the logistics of starting from scratch in a whole new location must be praised for it is no mean feat to up sticks and move in the shortest of timelines. Off the field Wasps are blooming and it must be a fantastic feeling for all of those that endured the hard times, Derek Richardson and his team have worked wonders, and hearty congratulations to every single member of their back room staff that have worked tirelessly.
On the field by in large Wasps’ season has been a strong one as they successfully managed to combine the demands of the European Champions Cup competition with the Aviva Premiership however they stuttered slightly on the final legal. Wasps’ loss to their new neighbours in Round 21 meant that they still had everything to do in Round 22 and a trip to the Madjeski Stadium was a test of their, sometimes unpredictable, away form. That said they got the job done and we have seen a marked improvement in their performance levels compared to last year as they topped the Aviva Premiership table in terms of points and indeed tries scored after twenty two rounds of action.
It is Wasps' back row that has ignited their performances with the Johnson, Haskell and Hughes unit gelling beautifully. Ashley Johnson’s bulldozing runs and lineout proficiency has been complimented by Hughes’ all court game and Haskell’s work rate. Nathan's season has us all chomping at the bit for next year when he qualifies to play for England with residency and his season's statistics need to be shared. Nathan has made 1099 meters and 223 carries and he beaten 71 defenders only Sinoti Sinoti has foxed more. At the breakdown Nathan is the most prolific man in the Premiership with 24 turnovers and finally he has delivered 37 offloads. Out the back things have clicked for Wasps with Elliot Daly and Joe Simpson shining, Elliot's inclusion in Stuart Lancaster's wider training squad is thoroughly deserved and if Joe can rehab quickly the door isn't closed from him. The familiar figure that is Andy Goode has added countless extras and his Golden Boot is something that he hopes to replicate at London Irish next season.
I agree with many that say that Dai Young will need to add two or three more large signings in order to ensure that they can take the next steps forwards in both the Aviva Premiership and Europe. The lingering feeling from the latter end of this season will be ‘what if’ for if they had kept their form they could have been in the playoffs.
It is clear that with such a solid financial footing and superb new facilities on the way signing big won’t be a problem and after many challenging years the next few could deliver the resurgence of Wasps back to their former heights.
It is clear that with such a solid financial footing and superb new facilities on the way signing big won’t be a problem and after many challenging years the next few could deliver the resurgence of Wasps back to their former heights.
Key Men - Nathan Hughes, Joe Simpson & Elliot Daly
Most Impressive Result - The Ricoh Arena's housewarming party against London Irish (48 - 16)
Strongest Signings for 15/16 Season - the All Black Frank 'The Tank' Halai from the Aukland Blues plus Gloucester's Dan Robson to provide Joe Simpson with a bit of down time!!
Overall Assessment - An impressive season as they managed a huge geographical move and started to sing on the rugby pitch, the only way is up.
