Wales

SkinnyProp says...

Jones is a good signing for Wasps and an interesting move for him. It makes sense to move now as I don't think we will see him add to his tally of international caps which is a shame. Priestland is first choice at the moment and Jones wasn't part of the initial 6N squad. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who values the Welsh shirt more or was as committed on the international field of play. I didn't think he'd ever leave the Scarlets but will be a great mentor for Wasps younger players.

Posted 13:28 12th April 2012

Jestnation says...

I'm sure Jones has a few seasons left in him! He's a proven game manager, points scorer and cool head. With Flutey leaving, Jones will be the experienced player to help bring on the likes of Daly, Wallace & Wade.

AJ looks to be a great addition to the back row for next season. With the return of Haskell alongside Billy V, Hart, Sam Jones, Gresev, Poff & Launchbury (although I think he may feature more at lock) there's mobility, power, skill and ball carrying galore and the potential to form a couple of competitive units.

The problem being (STILL!!!!) all of the aforementioned players will spend the whole bloody game going backwards because our setpiece is bloody awful. The return of Palmer is great news, particularly for the line out, but our front row gets stuffed out of sight week in week out.

What we really need is to sign some quality scrummaging props. Payne & Broster not good enough. Castex & Tafualo unconvincing as yet & not seen much of Roan. Marek V (how we couldn't push the boat out to get him to join his bro) Keiran Brookes, Tom Mercey, Alex Waller, Doran-Jones are all up and coming English props who spend most of their time bench warming at top clubs but would walk into our side. Henry Thomas at sale looks like a monster in the making too. Failing that find a Kiwi, Safa or French veteran that fancies being the leader of a promising group for a bit.

IF WE CAN'T SCRUM WE'LL BE PROPPING UP THE LEAGUE EVERY BLOODY SEASON!!!

Posted 10:56 12th April 2012

Headhunter99 says...

@stumpy - They do look good signings, the big issue is if we go into administration and have points deducted then we're down. I suspect Haskell, Palmer et al will have exit clauses in their contract if this does happen.

As a Wasps fan how the mighty have fallen over the last 6 years, going to be tough at Quinns then Bath over the next fortnight but I'll be there hoping

Posted 00:03 12th April 2012

NHsaints says...

Same as this season...Wasps are a team with the quality of players to compete with the best in the premiership (wade, dalley or however you spell it, wentzel and simpson are all as good as any of their counterparts) as shown by their early wins and position they just didn't have the depth or the 10. They will next season.

Posted 23:27 11th April 2012

maria14 says...

i am actually shocked at johnson moving on from the cheetahs!! it really tough on the cheetah's fans anytime they get a good squad assembled bigger clubs swoop in the attract the players.

from any of the SA readers on here were there any rumours about johnson being unhappy in SA?? i felt with a good solid super rugby season under his belt he would be in line for some Springbok caps!

Posted 20:25 11th April 2012

Lucasrg says...

Well done Wasps! Jones is one of the most proffesional players out there, despite the age he trains very hard. Haskell and Palmer will be also very important for a possible come back in about 2 years time

Posted 19:44 11th April 2012

stumpy says...

why Johnson left South Africa I'm not too sure, with a new coach this guy could have gained some more Springbok caps. Good signings for Wasps though with Haskell, Palmer, Johnson, and Jones joining the club. If they get relegated, it would be odd seeing a team with this calibre of players in the championship!

Posted 18:42 11th April 2012