London Wasps
June 14 2001
Club Details
Causeway Stadium
Hillbottom Road
Sands
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4HJ
Stadium Capacity: 10,200 (all seated)
Website: www.wasps.co.uk
Founded: 1867
- 2007/8 Season Preview -
Last time around: Once again, Wasps timed their trophy charge to perfection in 2006/7. In front of a crowd of 81,000, they were crowned Heineken Cup champions after a stunning display against a high-flying Leicester at Twickenham. Many pundits had predicted a Tigers victory, but the Wycombe-based side dominated every department with a 25-9 triumph that quashed Leicester's treble.
This time? Heineken Cup hero Alex King has moved on to ASM Clermont Auvegne so the Wasps backs will be under new order in 2007/8. In the pack, a host of players will be absent for the early season due to the World Cup, but with James Haskell proof of the squad depth at the club, one can see Wasps in the mix yet again come May.
Coach: Former Lions supremo Ian McGeechan is the possessor of one rugby's finest brains. His combination with Shaun Edwards worked wonders last season and as they continue to churn out more talent, the future looks bright.
Captain: Ian McGeechan has named John Hart as Wasps skipper for the start of the new season. The experienced back-rower is no stranger to the captain's armband as he led Wasps to their best ever start to a season - six straight wins back in 2005/6. His combination with Haskell will be important to the European Champions' early season form.
One to watch: If there's a more effective impact substitute in the game than James Haskell then I'll eat my hat. The young back-row was a perfect foil for Lawence Dallaglio in the latter stages of last season. His size and speed demolished the tiring opposition, shutting down all of their options. But now Haskell will have to lose that 'super sub' tag and perform for the full 80 minutes, something which he'll only be too happy to do.
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 5th
skybet.com prediction (04/9): 5-1 to finish first
In: Michael Holford (Leicester Tigers), Riki Flutey (London Irish).
Out: Warren Fury (London Irish), Edd Thrower (Saracens), Martin Purdy (Bath), Peter Bracken (Bristol).
Colours: black and yellow
Tickets: £12-44
Travel connections: Wycombe lies on the M40, the main road from London to Birmingham, about 45 minutes from London. There is a small train station, not too far from the ground.