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Joe Launchbury follows Wasps to Coventry to fulfill 'unfinished business'
England lock agreed new contract with Coventry-bound club after rejecting chance to join Saracens
Joe Launchbury, the England lock, committed his future to Wasps after deciding he had “unfinished business” at the Coventry-bound club.
Launchbury has ended weeks of speculation by signing a contract extension at Wasps, rejecting an approach from Aviva Premiership title challengers Saracens. It is a significant coup for Wasps, who have kept their prized asset just two-and-a-half weeks after announcing their £23 million relocation to the Ricoh Arena.
“I feel like I have unfinished business at this club and truly believe that over the coming years we can improve beyond recognition,” Launchbury said.
“I understand that being an English-qualified player made me quite attractive to some teams, but I’ve always felt at home here. The calibre of the clubs in the Premiership is awesome and I have full respect for all of them, but for me and for family we felt this was the best for us.
“It’s the club I’ve spent my whole professional career at and the club that gave me my first professional opportunity all those years ago. Fundamentally I’ve loved every minute of being here. We’ve had our struggles over the years, but have come out stronger and we’re heading in the right direction now.”
Launchbury joined Wasps from Worthing Rugby Club in 2009 and has gone on to make 22 Test appearances. The 23-year-old has established himself as a key member of England’s pack.
Wasps secured their own future with the decision to relocate to the Ricoh Arena – their first match at their new home is against London Irish on Dec 21 - and the move influenced Launchbury’s thinking.
“Heading to Coventry allows the club to put money into the rugby side. Knowing that would happen had an impact on what I chose,” Launchbury said. “It’s up to Dai what he does with the squad now, but I truly believe in the talent we have.
“I don’t believe there will be wholesale changes just because we’re moving to Coventry. We have the core of a good side and it’s up to us to show what we can do on the pitch.”
Wasps host Harlequins in Sunday’s Champions Cup fixture at Adams Park with captain James Haskell unavailable for a second successive weekend as he continues to recover from a virus.
Meanwhile, Jonny May, has signed a new contract with Gloucester. The England wing, who has won seven caps, has agreed a new long-term deal. May, 24, boasts a strike-rate of 45 tries in 94 games for Gloucester.