Always a Wasp

 the end of the normal season with a home match against Exeter, where we will continue our climb to the playoffs.

However, back in the real world... 

Just announced on Radio 5. No more grounding at base of post protector.

Why not introduce American Football type posts?

Including Launchbury lockdown, J.T-A having had "coronavirus symptoms", Gopps team missing promotion

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/wasps-rugby-news-guy-thompson-18045474

5 Minozzi (v Saints)

4 Robson (v Worcester)

3 Umaga (v L. Irish)

2 Umage (v Gloucester)

1 Kibirige (v Saracens)


https://www.premiershiprugby.com/watch/top-5-tries-this-season-wasps

So all the professional football leagues (Premier, EFL, Womens and Conference) have now been suspended until 3rd April (originally some news feeds were saying 5th, but now seems to have settled on 3rd).

Does this mean that Rugby will almost certainly be forced to follow?

Wasps team to face London Irish this Sunday in the Gallagher Premiership at the Madejski Stadium (kick-off 2.30pm)

Wasps (First-team appearances)

15 Marcus Watson (43)

14 Zach Kibirige (17)

13 Malakai Fekitoa (13)

12 Jimmy Gopperth (94)

11 Josh Bassett (117)

10 Jacob Umaga (19)

9 Dan Robson (c) (113)

1 Ben Harris (57)

2 Tommy Taylor (64)

3 Biyi Alo (9)

4 Will Rowlands (84)

5 Thibaud Flament (14)

6 Brad Shields (24)

7 Jack Willis (52)

8 Nizaam Carr (54)

 

Replacements

16 Gabriel Oghre (18)

17 Tom West (22)

18 Kieran Brookes (33)

19 Charlie Matthews (26)

20 Ben Morris (25)

21 Will Porter (17)

22 Lima Sopoaga (37)

23 Sam Spink (5)

Kilibrige's first and Umunga's tries

Oh what a choice to make.


https://www.premiershiprugby.com/watch/citizen-try-of-the-week-shortlist-round-11

What is the current situation with the Training Ground?

SV gave an update on progress outlining that Wasps now own the facility and planning application is now in for work on the facility. This work includes improving/building pitches, kitchen, gym, office space, digital infrastructure etc. ETA for moving in is the start of the 2020/21 season. There has been some in the Henley-in-Arden community who have been against the facility but Wasps having nothing to hide on the basis of acquiring the facility.

 

Ricoh Arena pitch quality

SV stated the Club’s awareness that the pitch is not performing as it should be or was during his time at Gloucester Rugby using the same pitch. Wasps have met with the company that manages the pitch and raised concerns and next season the pitch will be grown using different methods. There is a wish from the Club for the team to train on the pitch more frequently once issues are ironed out.

 

What will the Saracens fine money be used on?

This money will be put towards business operations, in line with what many other clubs will do.

 

Will Brexit affect Coventry City FC situation?

There has been no update on this situation since last meeting but Brexit will not have any implications on the legal side.

 

Why are we spending below the salary cap when Dai needed improvements particularly with the recent second-row injury situation?

SV explained that the second-row injury situation was a short-term problem inflated by many in the media. Due to the short-term nature it was decided that no action was required. With marquee players not counted towards the salary cap, included Wasps wage bill is actually in line or above most other Premiership clubs. Coaching and training facilities are equally important to performances on the pitch and also need funding. Current form is not where it should be but there is a belief that the squad is equipped to compete with majority of the league and everyone in the team is committed and cares about results.

 

Why have there been less Fan Villages this season?

SV identified that this has been a commercial decision as unfortunately the revenue derived from the Fan Village did not cover its costs in most cases. Wasps are looking at where we can create an area for Season Members and children to enjoy before games for next season.

 

Joint matchdays with Wasps Ladies and Academy teams

SV and Wasps want to support the Academy and women’s sport as much as possible. This season fixture alignment has been an issue but we have discussed with the relevant organisations improving this for next season.

 

Food and drink service speed and provision

MOS addressed planned developments and improvements including provision in the West Stand, which currently has very limited concessions, training with partners such as Purity and an app to help the service process that is being worked on with Vodafone. MOS acknowledged improvement needed but highlighted issues with getting consistent staff due to less event days in CCFC’s absence and the student nature staffing which means losing a number of regular team members over holiday periods. Supporters highlighted an issue with stewards insisting on lids being removed from bottles which will be raised with the stewarding team.

 

Flags on island around Ricoh Arena

VB highlighted that this was another commercial decision due to the cost of £3,000 which would be better used in other areas.

 

Are Wasps overstewarding on matchdays and wasting money in this area?

VB confirmed Wasps are not overstewarding and the number of stewards is a legal requirement based on predicted attendance figures.

 

Car Park C

VB confirmed Car Park C issues are being addressed and feedback will be provided shortly. Survey responses from the Bordeaux game mentioned an improvement already.

 

Provision of flags for fans

VB discussed that cost and wastage has made the Club more considerate around flag usage. However, we will always make them available for away travel when requested.


VB is Community and Matchday Marketing Manager Verity Brown
MOS is General Manager – Delaware North Mark O’Shea
SV is Chief Executive Stephen Vaughan