London Wasps confirm deal with Chris Mayor – Rugby news
Former England International centre, Chris Mayor, will be return to the Aviva Premiership next season. Mayor has signed a contract which was flexible enough to be converted into a long-term arrangement with the London Wasps for his switch back to the Premiership.
At the end of the 2009/10 Premiership season, Mayor left for Italy after signing a contract with the Italian rugby club, Parma.
London Wasps Chief Executive, Chris Thomas, on Tuesday, May 17, confirmed the signing of Mayor in a press conference. While the details of the contract are yet to be made public, Thomas clearly indicated in his remarks that the Wasps are looking for a long-term
commitment to develop players who can stay at the club for longer durations.
Thomas has praised the Wigan born Mayor’s skill and versatility. He said, “Chris Mayor is a player with plenty of Premiership experience and his ability to cover a range of positions in the backs will be a big bonus."
The 28–year-old started his professional rugby career in the Rugby League. He joined Wigan Warriors in 2000 and remained with them until 2003. Mayor left Warriors, joined Sale Sharks and remained with them until the end of the 2007/08 Premiership season.
He played 67 games for Sharks that includes 41 starts.
Mayor prefers to play at the centre position but he has the necessary set of skills that allows him to play at any position in the back row.
In 2008, Chris Mayor signed a two-year contract with the Northampton Saints. He made 23 appearances for the Saints, out of which he played from the bench in 17 games. Mayor failed to become the first choice player particularly due to the presence of Joe
Ansbro and James Downey in the team.
Mayor has also represented his country at the England international level and has played for the England Sevens and England Under-21 teams.
Earlier, reports were that Mayor would return to Rugby League and play for the Wigan Warriors.
Expressing his opinion on joining the Wasps, Chris Mayor said, “I feel I have a good few years left in me at Premiership level. Wasps is a great club with a strong heritage, and I am looking forward to being part of a new era there.”
Young players signed by the Wasps for next season will hugely benefit from Mayor’s experience.
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