Ash Staying?

[RBB]

Also some interesting comments about taking a role with the RFU..

https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/johnson-rejects-bulls-move/

[Neils]

So a year left - not what was surmised.

[Heathen]

Good news!

[Rossm]

Intriguing snippet. Thanks for digging it out and posting.

[baldpaul101]

also reported in Ruck:

https://www.ruck.co.uk/reports-wasps-star-earmarked-for-coaching-job-by-rfu/

they mention a coaching role, but they could very easily have made that up, the rest looks to have come from the South African article

[Vespula Vulgaris]

I really hope that is true. Not only is he one of the few players who always gives 100% regardless, but if the development of academy youngsters is going to succeed we need experiences leaders in the squad like Smashley.

He adds a vast amount to the off pitch activities.

[DGP Wasp]

Totally agree.  This is fantastic news.  Not so much on the playing side as he's no longer a nailed on starter as he was until a couple of years ago, although he offers excellent squad depth and experience; but off the field he could be a real asset and a player/coach role appears to be something that he would take to very well.  Intrigued as to what the possible RFU position may be and whether it will be alongside continuing to play for Wasps.  Always a firm favourite with me, and even more so with my kids.

[Neils]

I think you might of hit the point  - Ash has a huge impact on kids.

[coddy]

Ashley may not be a starter these days but i'd always want him on the bench to add real impetus after 60 mins with his rampaging runs.

[WonkyWasp]

I do hope he stays with us and becomes a player/coach; there was a huge gap when he was away,  and that also applies to Jimmy.

[Chunky24]

Would be great news not just as he's my daughters favourite but also that he is one of the players who is very visible around the local Coventry, as opposed to wider, rugby circuit regularly visiting his local club and also watching his lad play in the m & j section for another local club.

[GD]

he is my daughter's favourite too and hes been very popular at all the school visits hes done, has very much been the local face of the move to Coventry, as others have said hes around the local rugby scene as well. I can see him staying until the end of his contract and then maybe Cov for a bit before playing locally into middle age.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

The first question my 7 year-old asks whenever I most rugby on is whether "his friend Ashley" is playing. If he is he'll sit and watch with me. If not he'll go find something else to do.