Wasps stay on Roumat's tail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wasps' place in Europe next season is more or less assured, whoever is running professional club rugby by then. They are poised today to enter the European transfer market at the same time as announcing their intention to float on the stock market.
Olivier Roumat, the French lock, has been the London club's target for much of the season, although Simon Shaw, the England A lock who has missed nearly all of Bristol's season through injury, is another among the myriad linked with Wasps. Gareth Rees, the Canadian stand-off playing for Newport who represented Wasps in the 1986 cup final, could be the other.
Whichever lock, it would be a significant addition to Wasps' playing portfolio; a second-row combination of Roumat and Glyn Llewellyn, already signed from Neath, would address the ball-winning problem that has contributed most to keeping them down in fourth position in the championship this season.
Roumat, who has 59 caps, had the opportunity to return to South Africa, where he spent the latter part of the last Southern-hemisphere season with his compatriot Thierry Lacroix helping Natal to the Currie Cup. Lacroix has already abandoned his international career and signed a three-year contract with Natal.
Wasps' stock-market move would secure their financial future now that they are 11 days away from having to pay their players. Already the club are committed to a pounds 2.5m ground redevelopment, which will initially increase capacity from 4,000 to an all-seated 7,500 while turning the pitch through 90 degrees.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments