Joe Simpson out of Olympic contention after dislocating elbow
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Joe Simpson of Wasps breaks clear to score a try against Exeter Chiefs during the Singha Premiership Rugby 7's Series finals at Twickenham Stoop on August 28, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson was training with GB sevens squad
A dislocated elbow means he is out of contention for Rio 2016 Games
The Wasps scrum-half is expected to return to fitness for Aviva Premiership season
Joe Simpson is out of Rio Olympics contention after dislocating his elbow during Great Britain sevens squad training.
Although the scrum-half is expected to be available for the start of Wasps’ Aviva Premiership campaign in early September, his Olympic dreams are now over.
Amor, who confirmed the news about Simpson, said: “It is really disappointing for Joe.
“In the time he’s been with us, he has shown exciting potential, and it is a shame he is unable to continue towards the Olympics because of this unfortunate injury. We all wish him well.”
Simpson will now return to his club, and Wasps rugby director Dai Young said: “We are obviously all really gutted for Joe that injury has put a stop to his chances of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games.
“The feedback we have had from Simon Amor and the rest of the GB set-up was that Joe was progressing well and pushing hard for a place in the squad, and it’s desperately unfortunate that he has picked up an injury that will now rule him out. On the flip side of that, we’re all looking forward to having Joe return to Wasps.
“He is an influential character in this squad and he’ll now be getting his head down to prepare himself for the start of the new season.”
Although the scrum-half is expected to be available for the start of Wasps’ Aviva Premiership campaign in early September, his Olympic dreams are now over.
Amor, who confirmed the news about Simpson, said: “It is really disappointing for Joe.
“In the time he’s been with us, he has shown exciting potential, and it is a shame he is unable to continue towards the Olympics because of this unfortunate injury. We all wish him well.”
Simpson will now return to his club, and Wasps rugby director Dai Young said: “We are obviously all really gutted for Joe that injury has put a stop to his chances of representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games.
“The feedback we have had from Simon Amor and the rest of the GB set-up was that Joe was progressing well and pushing hard for a place in the squad, and it’s desperately unfortunate that he has picked up an injury that will now rule him out. On the flip side of that, we’re all looking forward to having Joe return to Wasps.
“He is an influential character in this squad and he’ll now be getting his head down to prepare himself for the start of the new season.”
Great Britain will continue their Rio build-up by fielding two teams in the Sevens and the City tournament at Saracens’ Allianz Park ground this weekend.