Wasps speed impresses Helu

Editor

Wasps wing Will Helu is looking to back up a strong breakthrough year at the Premiership club when the season kicks-off next month.

Wasps winger Will Helu is looking to back up a strong breakthrough season at the Premiership club when the new campaign kicks-off on September 6.

The club who has the likes of Tom Varndell and Christian Wade on its books, was missing that duo for spells last term and Helu stepped up well.

Helu scored seven tries in the Challenge Cup whilst also playing well on the domestic front as he looked back on an impressive first campaign.

“I was fortunate enough to play a lot of games last season but it was very unfortunate with those two [Varndell and Wade] getting injured,” he said.

“I just put my best foot forward and played the best that I could. This season is going to be a massive challenge for myself but on a positive note we are pushing each other.

“I can't wait to see Christian back playing and I'm sure England as well as Wasps feel the same way.

“Tom proves every season that he's a quality player and it's going to be a big test but hopefully [director of rugby] Dai [Young] just gives me the opportunity and I take it.

“I need to train well, integrate with the new guys and learn how they play. Just training against Tommy and Wadey I will pick up things I can put into my game.

“If Dai feels he can pick me then hopefully I'll take the chance with both hands. Alapati (Leiua) joined on Monday and he's a great signing for us as anyone who has watched Super Rugby this season will know.

“There is no way I race those guys in training because you know who's going to win. There's Tom, Wadey, even Joe Simpson is quick and we've got Tom Howe in the academy who is rapid.

“I always go for the first ten metres and the rest is up to them. I think we could well be the quickest team in the league.”

While Wasps might be synonymous with speed, their opposition in their Premiership opener at Twickenham's London Double Header, Saracens, will be formidable ones.

Table toppers in the regular season, Sarries fell agonisingly short of a league and European double in 2013/14 and Helu, whose Wasps side are back at Europe's top table this season, welcomes the early chance to gauge themselves against one of the best.

“Saracens' results in the Premiership and Heineken Cup last season show it's going to be a massive challenge for us but we're looking forward to it,” he added.

“You couldn't wish for a better way to start the Premiership season than with a double-header at Twickenham against Saracens.

“I played at Twickenham last year against Gloucester in the Stinger for Sport Relief. It was an awesome occasion and it's one of those stadiums that as a kid growing up playing rugby you want to play in.

“It was a massive occasion; I enjoyed it and will hopefully get another chance to run out there in the double header.”