Bobby Bridge Interviews Elliot Stooke.

[Rossm]

Wasps move to Henley HQ was dealbreaker in Elliott Stooke switch: 'No-one wants to go to a horrible place to work'

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/rugby/elliott-stooke-wasps-rugby-bath-21853722

[Covkid40]

When you hear new players making comments like that about broadstreet I think it just shows how easy it is for fans to underestimate the importance of the training facilities to elite athletes. Most of us that have played some kind of sport at grassroots level would have loved somewhere like broadstreet to play let alone train.

[Neils]

Good view of the change of facilities from, effectively, an outsider.

[Mellie]

I remember standing in a lukewarm shower at Bramley Road after playing Saracens Amateurs in the late 90s thinking 'I can't believe Michael Lynagh and Phillipe Sella put up with this'.

[Rossm]

When you hear new players making comments like that about broadstreet I think it just shows how easy it is for fans to underestimate the importance of the training facilities to elite athletes. Most of us that have played some kind of sport at grassroots level would have loved somewhere like broadstreet to play let alone train.

Yes, I do think he was being harsh about Broadstreet. After all it was probably luxurious compared to the legendary facilities at Twyford Ave.

[Steve from Cov]

When you hear new players making comments like that about broadstreet I think it just shows how easy it is for fans to underestimate the importance of the training facilities to elite athletes. Most of us that have played some kind of sport at grassroots level would have loved somewhere like broadstreet to play let alone train.

Yes, I do think he was being harsh about Broadstreet. After all it was probably luxurious compared to the legendary facilities at Twyford Ave.

Don’t forget that Broadstreet were in and out of the ‘national leagues’ for a few seasons  recently - and alma mater of some quality players like Adam Baldwin - and probably have the best facilities across Coventry and Warwickshire.

I get that it wasn’t helpful sharing facilities with a busy junior club.

[Horusthewasp]

Looking at Stookes’ strong presence so far on the field, I’m not surprised how upfront he is in the interview. His brutal response to the training facility issue couldn’t be clearer!

Also his comments about why he left Bath, were very honest. He says it was an “easy decision to make” to avoid stagnation and that he was “pushed aside” because he gave his “personal opinion to coaches”. On the latter he does give Wasps a glowing review by saying our “coaches are fantastic“.

He’s one player I’m expecting to see grow more as squad leader and as an absolute workhorse on the field. Great signing and he’s made the transition from Rowlands pretty seamless.

[hookender]

I suppose for some that have come from clubs with very good facilities ,it could be a deal breaker, if  the money being offered is the same as elsewhere.

 Wonder how many players, coaches, S&C even, have turned  down Wasps because of ‘working environment’ Over the last few years

[Neils]

I suppose for some that have come from clubs with very good facilities ,it could be a deal breaker, if  the money being offered is the same as elsewhere.

 Wonder how many players, coaches, S&C even, have turned  down Wasps because of ‘working environment’ Over the last few years

Not something you will ever know.

[hookender]

Bit more from Stooke in Coventry Observer

WASPS second-row Elliott Stooke insists his side need to get their “detail” right ahead of a tough match against Exter Chiefs on Saturday afternoon at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

 

Lee Blackett’s side have won their opening two home matches in the Gallagher Premiership this season – edging out Northampton Saints 26-20 last weekend.

 

The Chiefs have already won once on the road this term – securing a win at Sale Sharks before hammering Worcester Warriors last time out.

 

Stooke stressed the need for Wasps to maintain their discipline against the Chiefs and knows they will need to get their detail right if they are to claim a third straight win in Coventry.

 

Stooke said: “It’s a huge game, they’re very set-piece focused yet they can still throw the ball around, they like to hold onto the ball for a long time.

 

“We’ve got to be disciplined and get our detail right and hopefully that will transfer this weekend – we need to be on the ball if we’re going to get a result.

 

“It’s far too early to judge where everyone is at as a team, Chiefs have had a difficult start to the season but their gameplan doesn’t really change.”

 

The 28-year-old admitted that expectations are high for the coming season and praised the impact of the Wasps fans since their return to stadiums.

 

He said: “The owners have pumped a shed load of money into the new training facility – they’re expecting results and trophies.

 

“We’re not shy about that – we want to be a team that succeeds and thrives – it’s a lot of trust in us and we want to make the Wasps supporters proud.

 

“It’s great having fans back – it’s even nice on an away when you get heckled by the crowd.

 

“The fans give you that little bit of an extra boost, it lifts us and you can really feel the energy of the crowd.”

 

Stooke only arrived at the club in the summer after making over 100 appearances for former side Bath and is enjoying his partnership with fellow lock Vaea Fifita.

 

He added: “It was a very simple choice to join Wasps – in my last season at Bath I was getting pushed aside a little bit – I needed a fresh challenge and it was an easy decision to make.

 

“Vaea is one hell of an athlete – he’s special – I’ve not played with any locks like this guy, I could watch some of his highlights with a bit of popcorn for hours.

 

“We’ve only seen a slither of what he can do so far, when he gets in open channels and a little bit of space he’ll be lighting up the Premiership – look out for him, he’s one to watch.”

 

Wasps host Exeter at the CBS Arena on Saturday, October 16 with kick-off at 3pm.

[InBetweenWasp]

Speaking of facilities, is anyone else going to the Fan Forum?

I'm looking forward to seeing them in the flesh.

[JonnyD]

Not sure what Gaskell’s fate will be at the end of this season but it has been a long time since I thought or options at lock were of the same quality to match the rest of the squad. We’ve always had a star studded back row, a galactico at FB but now the locks really do look like the engine room of the side. (Please stay injury free Elliot and Vaea!)

[Shugs]

Agree. And Cardall is looking excellent for me as well. Stooke and Cardall also have a bit of snarl about them.