London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has given his response to the news that Billy Vunipola is to exit the club at the end of the current season.
Number eight Vunipola was confirmed to be joining Saracens from 2013/14, with the north London side also capturing James Johnston.
"We are clearly hugely disappointed," said Young.
"Billy is a player that the club identified some time ago as one with huge potential and he's been developed by London Wasps, despite a period when he struggled with illness and injury, into one of the brightest young talents in English rugby.
"During our contract talks, the player had been adamant that he did not want to leave the club but we know he was under pressure for family reasons to go and join his brother at Saracens.
"We did everything in our power to keep Billy. We offered him the contract he asked for.
"He is playing regularly and he has already got international recognition, so we didn't see any reason for him to leave.
"Although we had heard the whispers about him going to Saracens, we were only officially informed yesterday afternoon that Billy was leaving and he had previously signed for them."
Young added: "Although we are bitterly disappointed right now, it is only fair for me to say that I believe that Billy will become a top quality international player for years to come and we wish him the best with his career. There is a long way to go in the season and I am sure he will give his all for Wasps in the coming months."
Comments
jamesliveinhope says...
@armchairgeneral - your second point is a valid one but I'm not sure that you can blame the players for it.
Posted 12:03 16th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
TV: how many international capped players at Sarries... More than 15 I would guesstimate without bothering to count. How many emerged at Sarries? 3? It's not a grass roots club any more but a group of mercenaries. I don't like it and I'm not a Quins or Wasps fan.
Posted 22:09 15th January 2013
NHsaints says...
It's hard on wasps but everyone wants to be on the winning side and if they can get a huge paycheck and more time playing with their brother then what does it matter to them to move clubs? That's just the modern age of rugby...on the other hand it does seem guys who started in that 2003-2005 period or before are still sticking to the clubs that developed them most and will always hold a special place in their memories for them - guys like Haskell, Palmer, Chuter, Foden ect. But more and more we're seeing the Ashton, Vunipola ect move for the money (which I'm not saying is wrong, I just think it's ungrateful).
Posted 19:10 15th January 2013
TVaddict says...
@ArmchairGeneral
Totally disagree.
Posted 17:49 15th January 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
One serious injury and that's all folks. Anyone remember Thom Evans or Paul Sampson??? Players have every right to make hay while the sun shines. Bare in mind even the guys who go one for 10 year careers are going to be spending their middle age with crippling arthritis. Professional rugby players are like gladiators, their fame and endorcements are balanced by the possibility that they'll end match day in a world of hurt. Look at Dave Strettle getting knocked out cold from behind a few minutes into saturdays match vs Racing Metro. All I do is hang out with my mates drinking beer and making smart ass comments while the players go through the wringer for my amusment. Come mid week though I have nothing but respect for all rugby players and won't complain if they look to get the most out of their short playing careers. Good luck Billy. Kick ass and stay safe.
Posted 16:44 15th January 2013
TVaddict says...
@simojukes
I know how you feel but that's how the professional age rolls. I'm disappointed as he fits Wasps style of play so well and I'm worried Saracens will stifle his attacking prowess. But it is a move that makes sense for him as he's getting more money, is closer to his brother, and will be playing in a more successful team who seem to genuinely look after their players with a strict rotation policy.
Posted 15:40 15th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Mercenaries. Hope they don't crack into the England 15.
Posted 15:24 15th January 2013
simojukes says...
genuinely classy reaction from Young. Wasps have every right to be annoyed. They developed the kid, stuck with him, helped him get in shape and become the player he is. they offered everything that he wanted. he said he wanted to be the next Dallaglio.
then he goes and jumps ship to play with his bro, allegedly because daddy wanted them to play together. the way things have gone, they would be playing for england anyway. Its a real shame that clubs like Wasps, Quins and Tigers have such strong academies, and other clubs swoop in and take the players. Oh well, i guess that professional sports now. Wasps will just have to hope that Sam Jones and Launchbury both TRUELY want to be the next Dallaglio. Must say, its times like this that you realise how little a club can matter to a player. Other guys, like Haskell seem to live by the saying "once a wasp, always a wasp".
Posted 14:34 15th January 2013