Wasps' summer business: Signings, departures, contracts and targets.

[Rossm]

How the squad is shaping up ahead of the 2021/22 Gallagher Premiership and Heineken Champions Cup season

From Bobby Bridge:

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/wasps-rugby-transfer-news-rumours-20817627

No specific mention of Jimmy Gopperth, Ben Morris, Rob Miller and Theo Vukasinovic re-signing.

[Neils]

Nothing new.

[Steve from Cov]

Any guesses who the additional second row and imminent back row signings might be?

[JonnyD]

I’m going for:

Vaea Fifita - lock/6 cover (massive wishful thinking I know but why not - we spent all that money on Lima!!)
Rouban Birch from Nottingham (or equivalent type player - ex prem academy player at Sale 22 years old) - 2nd row
Gareth Evans - 6/8 cover (like Fifita is also out of contract with the Canes) or Nizaam Carr 🤔 why did we let him go again?

That should cover the bases for me - don’t think there’s much point bringing in more squad depth from championship or a Josh Caulfield type player as these will be covered by the likes of Kieran Curran and a whole heap of young back row prospects that we have in the academy - need to buy in first team contenders in my humble opinion

[Steve from Cov]

Sam Lewis has been released by Leicester Tigers and appears to be well thought of.

I know little about him but I see he can cover back row and second row and I think Lee mentioned he was looking for someone who can double up.

[Shugs]

Matt Garvey released by Glaws.......

[JonnyD]

Matt Garvey released by Glaws.......

Good shout actually, surprised they released him but like when he left Bath I assume they just haven’t got enough games out of him for their investment.

Scott-Williamson would have definitely been worth a gamble although looks like Quins have him signed up.

If Japanese teams will start having to get rid of their non-international overseas players then there will be a few available too like Grant Hattingh, Tom Franklin, Elliot Dixon, Tom savage is over there too
- I do enjoy silly season too much I know.

[Shugs]

A few being released in our target positions now. Michael Rhodes from the cheats?

[Rossm]

A few being released in our target positions now. Michael Rhodes from the cheats?

I'd rather not. Apart from where he comes from, he's a dirty sod.

[JonnyD]

Bloody hope not - fits the brief in terms of a 4/5/6 cover, big physical presence etc but he’s bordering on just being a thug and he’s carried that Sarries arrogance around with him for too long.

[Neils]

Bloody hope not - fits the brief in terms of a 4/5/6 cover, big physical presence etc but he’s bordering on just being a thug and he’s carried that Sarries arrogance around with him for too long.

Not "bordering" actual.

[CV2]

Not saying Rhodes is the answer but don’t we miss that nasty presence in the pack? Always thought our forwards seem a tad on the nice side compared to other teams.

[baldpaul101]

Not saying Rhodes is the answer but don’t we miss that nasty presence in the pack? Always thought our forwards seem a tad on the nice side compared to other teams.

exactly my thoughts. Wasps always seem far too nice for me.

[Rossm]

I repeat. I wouldn't touch Rhodes with a bargepole. Yes, we could do with someone who is nasty in the pack but not someone who is a dirty thug.

[Neils]

I repeat. I wouldn't touch Rhodes with a bargepole. Yes, we could do with someone who is nasty in the pack but not someone who is a dirty thug.

Very big +1. Rarely see a game he is in without screaming at the ref to do something about him. Yes we need hard but not filthy.