Launchbury compared to legends Dallaglio and Shaw after agreeing new deal

Wasps have struggled to keep hold of some of their best players in recent years, but they have had no such trouble with skipper Joe Launchbury as he signed a new contract on Thursday. 

The club made the announcement in bizarre style on social media, with a Lord of the Rings remake that went down very well. 

Since the announcement, the lock has been described as a “legend” and a “one-club man” by team-mates and fans. 

The 28-year-old has even been compared to club legends like Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Shaw for his commitment to the two-time European champions. 

However, unlike some of the titans of Wasps throughout the years, Launchbury has not played through an era showered in glory or silverware. 

? Long live The King…#LaunchTime ? pic.twitter.com/a9Bx3Ersr8

— Wasps Rugby (@WaspsRugby) November 28, 2019

Legend!!!! Always leading from the front! Congrats Skips @joe_launch https://t.co/oxhnLsYlJs

— jimmy gopperth (@jimmygopps) November 28, 2019

Huge news for sticker club! ?? #GotGotGotNeed #Shiny https://t.co/95DlafcFna

— Tom Cruse (@cruse_dog2) November 28, 2019

In fact, Dai Young’s side have endured some troubling years this past decade, which has seen them come perilously close to going into administration and being relegated. 

Further, in an era where ‘one-club men’ seem to be less common, this makes 62-cap England international’s commitment all the more commendable. 

https://twitter.com/TheWaspsReport/status/1200027548983472128?s=20

@joe_launch epitomises what this club is all about. He is the equivalent of Dallaglio, Shaw and Worsley back in the day. A one club man through good times and tough times. We really are lucky to have him. Thank you Joe.

— Matt R (@Black_Gold_67) November 28, 2019

@joe_launch Sooooo happy with this news. A giant of a man, a giant of a Captain. Thanks Joe. As fans this is the best news we could have wanted all season

— Caro883 (@mooryfield) November 28, 2019

At the end of last season, the club saw two stalwarts of the team leave, Joe Simpson to Gloucester and Elliot Daly to Saracens, as well as Christian Wade making a move to American football in late 2018. 

The same thing happened the year before as Danny Cipriani and James Haskell both moved on, albeit that was after their second stint with Wasps. 

With new players arriving this season, it looked as though the shell of players that have been with Young throughout were moving on, but Launchbury has remained ever reliable. 

Launchers is the heartbeat of our great club .. wonderful news ?? ? #COYW ??????

— Peter Luft (@peter_luft) November 28, 2019

This has made me so happy, a legend like Joe being here to help the likes of the Willis bros, Umaga and all the other Academy lads and youngsters. They are our future a with a leader like Joe the future is bright. ?????????????

— Steve Skillin (@SteveSkillin) November 28, 2019

Great news @joe_launch ! A brilliant club man and I'm sure you'll continue to be a great role model and inspiration for the youngsters coming through. #COYW

— Richard Smith. ? ???? Happily Woke?? (@smithrichard) November 28, 2019

Wasps players have had a greater reason to leave than most other players in England given their relocation to Coventry in 2014. Such upheaval can cause an exodus, which has undoubtedly happened over the past five years. 

However, with international stars such as Malakai Fekitoa and Matteo Minozzi arriving in the summer, and emerging talents like the Willis brothers and Jacob Umaga breaking through, this is a promising time for Launchbury as captain of Wasps. 

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