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Wasps fans can't believe their 'exciting' backline for next season
After Wasps announced the signing of Newcastle Falcons’ winger Zach Kibirige ahead of next season, their fans are getting excited about their back line.
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This comes just days after Dai Young’s team signed former Sale Sharks winger Paolo Odogwu, in what is looking like a dangerous back three.
The former England under-20 international announced that he would be leaving the Falcons, with whom he has been with since 2012, after they were relegated from the Premiership this season. He will bring searing pace out wide, and at only the age of 24, his best days are still to come.
Kibirige is also joined by Italy international Matteo Minozzi next season at the Ricoh, who will also help make up a lethal back three. With Marcus Watson and Josh Bassett already at the club, Young has many diverse options to call upon next season, as Wasps seek to bounce back from what could be seen as a disappointing season.
After a promising start to their campaign, Wasps slowly slipped down the Premiership table, also failing to get out of their group in the Champions Cup. They failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next year, and may be starting a rebuilding process.
However, they have made a great start with the signings that they have made so far.
This is what the fans have said:
A cracking signing! Our back 3 options are ??? https://t.co/R3C1WQklgr
— George H (@Me_George_H) June 11, 2019
Another quality signing. Certainly won't be short of speed out wide next year with Watson, Bass, Kilbirige, Odogwu and Sirker. ? #COYW https://t.co/ZMv3sGJ1HB
— Hugh Webster (@hughwebster2) June 11, 2019
Welcome to the family! We have some serious pace in the back line!! #waspsfamily #wearewasps
— Alan Collins (@Alan_Collins13) June 11, 2019
Welcome to the Wasp family. Thanks for picking Wasps and looking got to seeing you in Black and Gold. ????????????
— Steve Skillin (@SteveSkillin) June 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/johnnywasp/status/1138392253267873797?s=20
Watching him in action for falcons last season, wasps have an electric addition to the backs there.
— James Chubb (@TheTiercel) June 11, 2019
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He’s ? fast
— Tom Reeves (@TheCoachTom) June 11, 2019
Excellent! Another speedster…
— Helen Marsden ????????? (@aitchwasps) June 11, 2019
With both Christian Wade leaving last October and Willie Le Roux recently leaving Wasps, there would have been fears that the two-time European champions were going to be weak next season. However, it looks like they have made some very shrewd signings.
With All Blacks centre Malakai Fekitoa arriving this summer, and Jimmy Gopperth returning from a serious knee injury, there looks to be plenty of high quality options outside Dan Robson and Lima Sopoaga in a Wasps back line which could run riot next season.
Watch: Italy plays host to Jim in the latest episode of our Rugby Explorer series.
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments