Dai Young praised for work with London Wasps – Rugby News Update
Dai or David Young, the current director of rugby at the London Wasps has been praised by the Chairman of the club Mark Rigby, for coaching a team that has been plagued by injury throughout the season.
Rigby, after securing the sale of the club to new owners and once the Wasps secured another season in the Aviva Premiership has singled out Young for praise. He said, “What we have been really pleased with has been Dai Young's contribution in keeping the
squad pointing forward in a very positive way while this cloud of uncertainty over ownership has hung over the club.”
The London Wasps have been in decline over the years, and they were going to go into administration if they did not find new money. The former European Champions had a torrid season, plagued by injuries, and during the last training session before the vital
game against the Newcastle Falcons, the team only had 12 players fit for training.
Dai Young started his career early and as a young man he represented Swansea and Cardiff. He made his debut against England in 1987 at Brisbane in the Rugby World Cup. It was a touch of fortune for him to make his Wales debut. Having initially not been selected
for the World Cup, he was playing for the Australian side Northern Suburbs, and when an injury to Stuart Evans ruled him out of action, Young was called in to replace him.
Rigby further spoke about the last game and the condition of the squad. He said, "It couldn't have gone any worse, either on or off the pitch this season. It's been very draining, both physically and mentally. It is disappointing not to have won (against
Newcastle), but we've done enough to stay up and next season, with new signings, our young talent more experienced and surely a smaller injury list, it is looking more positive."
However, Young will have an easier time next year, as England Internationals Tom Palmer and James Haskell are joining the team, while the club will also welcome Stephen Jones and the South African Ashley Johnson.
With better luck on their side next year and their financial future secured, Wasps can look forward.
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