Andy Goode: Joins Wasps next season
Related links
Teams
Also see
London Wasps have confirmed that they have added Worcester Warriors fly-half Andy Goode to their squad for next season.
One of the most prolific scorers in English club rugby history, Goode sits second in the all-time Aviva Premiership points chart.
The ex-England number 10, who won 17 caps and scored 107 points for his country, is widely recognised as one of the best game managers in English rugby.
London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young believes Goode will be a good addition to his squad.
"The Aviva Premiership is an incredibly tight league and there are more one score games in this league than any other, so it is vitally important to have a recognised goal kicker in your squad," he said.
"Andy's record in the game speaks for itself and tactically he is an excellent number 10 and I am confident he will also get our back-line moving very well.
"We have a lot of young players at this club who are still finding their feet at the top level and Andy will be an important experienced head in our squad."
Goode is excited by the move but is committed to seeing out his contract with Worcester.
"I am delighted to be joining London Wasps next season and it is clear they have made some big strides forward this year and are clearly heading in the right direction," he said.
"I am looking forward to being coached by Dai Young who really impressed me with his vision for Wasps and where they are heading.
"I am also looking forward to working with Shane Howarth and Stephen Jones who have a wealth of international and coaching experience between them, and as young coaches who have not long retired, will have great empathy with the players and know exactly how to get the best out of them.
"With the quality players Wasps have and the exciting backs currently in the squad I am confident I will be able to contribute to the further success of London Wasps.
"At the same time, I'm committed to doing my best for Worcester Warriors until the end of the season.
"I have enjoyed my time here and have a huge amount of respect for Cecil Duckworth and the board of management in the way they have built the club.
"The fans have always been fantastic towards me and that's one of the main memories I'll take with me on leaving Worcester."
Comments
Coshie78 says...
I was hoping Wasps were tapping up Henson should Welsh go down...
Fits the Wasps mantra of misfits coming together to form a decent side...
Posted 14:14 06th March 2013
lawynd says...
He's a good, solid player with bags of experience and, key for Wasps, understands what it is to win. Assuming Worcester stay up (which I'm sure they will), it will be in large part to Goode's game management, kicking prowess and ability to pick a gap. As far as Wasps are concerned, whilst it's obviously an interim selection, he's an upgrade over Nicky Robinson who is a journeyman player, at absolute best.
Posted 13:06 06th March 2013
Jediboy says...
I'm not criticising him. I'm well aware of his performance over the years. I'm just glad he's not coming to Saints as we need to look at the big picture, not just the here and now. Saints needs a 10 with some longevity, and I dot think that Goode offers this.
Posted 10:32 06th March 2013
Coshie78 says...
I feel sorry for the young lad Carlisle who has just signed for Wasps from Worcester....
Finally emerges from Goode's considerable shadow only for Wasps to sign him a week later!!!
As a Wasps fan I am not sure we are going to win too many trophies with him there. Despite his previous successes, which were all behind the most dominant in NH club rugby at the time. However I don't think the team is there yet anyway and I can see where he fits in to a succession plan to get there...
My biggest problem is that I have never been a big fan of his, that will have to change now, I suppose... will not be easy, but cab just about do it!
However, if Dai Young signs Peter Stringer I am going to Quins!!!!!
Posted 09:45 06th March 2013
stumpy says...
I think its a good signing for Wasps. I dont see why many fail to recognise how well he reads the game! In his England days when the back line was very static, he would slot many drop goals to ensure they were still rewarded with points. For Worcester, he has scored a good few tries from picking gaps, despite not being the quickest man. This criticsm is harsh, I think its a good signing for Wasps
Posted 00:36 06th March 2013
Kent says...
Andy Goode in favour of Nicky Robinson. Well done Dai - once a dope always a dope.
Posted 22:47 05th March 2013
NHsaints says...
Well he's not the best fly half these days by a long shot but he'll add the reliability of depth to the wasps 10 position they need and he'll be a good mentor for some of the younger lads coming through...the question still remains then...who will be joining the saints at the end of the season...Cipriani? Ford? Or maybe Mallinder will play that awesome Samoan 9 at ten? I hope not...
Posted 19:11 05th March 2013
sirtidychris says...
He just doesn't look like a professional sportsman especially a flyhalf thats why he gets so much stick. People have trouble seeing past his barrell belly and locks and forget everything he won at Leicester, people are shallow unfortunately.
Posted 17:50 05th March 2013
Warrior7 says...
Thank God we are not committed into paying his huge salary any longer. But good luck to him, and despite everyone jumping on the bandwagon and giving him a lot of stick for virtually no reason, he is actually a very good fly half.
Posted 16:09 05th March 2013
LondonWasp says...
really?
Posted 15:00 05th March 2013
jestnation says...
Mixed feelings.
Bags of experience, huge boot and a very committed player.
But no Stephen Jones. Not even close.
He'd be a great back up and probably a good mentor for younger players but if we're serious about competing at the top end of the prem he is not a number 1 number 10 in my eyes.
Posted 13:23 05th March 2013
Jediboy says...
Good. That means Saints are not getting him.
Posted 11:29 05th March 2013
daibok says...
I thought he was going to the Dragons? I dont remember his game management skills being prominent during his brief spell with the Natal Sharks.
Perhaps I should be paying more attention.
Posted 11:12 05th March 2013