LIST | The 6 key Wasps players out of contract in the summer

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Wednesday, 25 March 2020 at 09:30

bySteven Smith

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As Wasps do not disclose contract lengths, the Coventry Live have assembled a potential list of players who could be out of contract come the end of the season - or have signed new deals but have to be announced...

1. Jimmy Gopperth

This summer he turns 37 and Ryan Mills, also an inside centre, has been recruited from Worcester Warriors. If the New Zealander does remain at Wasps, it would potentially be on reduced terms or in a dual role, allowing him to progress his coaching career too.

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2. Charlie Matthews

The Rugby Paper recently reported that the second row, who joined from Harlequins, is out of contract this summer and is attracting interest from Top 14 clubs.

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3. Ashley Johnson

The South African has 198 Wasps appearances to his name since joining way back in 2012. Whatever happens next with his career, his status as a Wasps legend is secured. Losing the 28-year-old would be a considerable blow.

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4. Nizaam Carr

Carr stated in an interview with CoventryLive in January his desire to become a ‘Wasps legend’. The back row turns 29 next month so this contract is a hugely important one for him. Can Wasps afford to keep him? Time will tell.

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5. Thomas Young

Now the only member of the Young family at Wasps following dad Dai’s shock departure. He is a co-captain in Joe Launchbury’s absence and has made 111 appearances. Young will likely head to one of the Welsh regions in a bid to keep his international career alive and add to his three caps.

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6. Marcus Watson

Mixed fortunes since he arrived at the Ricoh from Newcastle Falcons. A great player on his day, the 29-year-old would have options if he doesn't sign a new deal with Wasps.

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LIST: 10 Greatest Wasps players of All Time

They've been an ever-present in England's top flight since leagues were established 30 years ago, winning six Premiership titles and two European Cups.

Therefore, deciding on just ten players was incredibly difficult.

Here we go:

10. Dean Ryan

An intimidating back five forward with all the skills. Ensured nobody ever messed with Wasps.

9. Ted Woodward

The blockbusting England winger scored a hat-trick for Wasps as a schoolboy as they toppled Harlequins in the final of 1948 Middlesex Sevens. Played for Wasps for over 17 years, with the legend eventually captaining the side from Number 8.

8. Josh Lewsey

Phenomenal performer. A product of the club who enjoyed a spell at Bristol before returning to the club after his university studies ended. Lewsey then went on to score 78 tries in 266 Wasps appearances.

London Wasps, Danny Cipriani and London Wasps, Josh Lewsey - Photo Mandatory by-line: Jan Kruger/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - 05/04/2009 - SPORT - RUGBY - GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP - WASPS V NEWCASTLE - Adams Park

7. Craig Dowd

The great All Black made a substantial impact during his four-year spell at the club. He then followed this up with three-years at the club as a scrum coach.

6. Simon Shaw

The lock put in a monumental shift for the club between 1997 and 2011 and played a key part in all the club success in this period. A record 339 games for the club, 25 tries and that iconic drop-goal he slotted against Bath in 2000.

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5. Mark Taylor

The All Black legend stayed in the UK following New Zealand's tour and ended up starring for Wasps for five years, becoming a cult figure at the club. He single-handily ensured that, despite still being an amateur side, the club stepped up their standard of play and fitness.

4. Alex King

The fly-half was the pivot of the club during their most successful decade. Despite often conceding kicking duties to others during his career he still accumulated over 1000 points in 170 games including 33 dropped goals.

3. Joe Worsley

The back-rower was relentless in terms of commitment and physicality. He gave life-long devotion to the club, making 313 appearances and making too many tackles to count between 1993 and 2011.

2. Fraser Waters

Mr Reliable. The leader of the clubs famous blitz defence, twice a European cup champions, was the man of the match in the 2007 final as Wasps overcame Leicester 25-9 at Twickenham. 220 Wasps appearances in total, scoring an impressive 40 tries.

1. Lawrence Dallaglio

Ultimate one club man. Brought Test match intensity to every game he was involved in. Never backed down, a fantastic leader and remained loyal despite when big offers came his way. Without doubt, he is one of Wasps best players of all-time.

of Tigers of Wasps during the Guinness Premiership Final match between Leicester Tigers and London Wasps at Twickenham on May 31, 2008 in London, England.