Wednesday round up

Wednesday round up

Simpson out for 4-6 weeks

Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson will miss "four to six weeks as a minimum" after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday's 51-10 Champions Cup victory over Leinster.

The 27-year-old was forced out of the game at the Ricoh Arena after only five minutes and could require an operation after an initial scan on the problem area proved inconclusive.

The injury is a major blow to Simpson's hopes of forcing his way into the England squad for the Six Nations.



Young reassures Moore on International career

Wasps director of Rugby Dai Young has said he does not see prop Martin Moore's impending move to Wasps to interfere with his international commitments with Ireland.


Ireland's performance director David Nucifora has warned the country's top stars will be at a "disadvantage" for international selection if they play for clubs outside of the country.

But Young insists he will ensure Wasps players are given the opportunity to represent their countries and pointed to the fact they already have a number of international players on their books as evidence of this.

"I don't see us having any issues with our relationship with Ireland," said Young. "We'll want Marty to play for his country.

"We've got Welsh internationals, Italians and next season we'll have an Irish international, and we want them all to play for their countries.

"If they're playing for their country, it means they're probably playing well for us, and we'd support that 100 per cent.

"International rugby will only make him play well for Wasps. The experience of playing in different leagues and different scenarios, it can only improve players.


Jones expects Robshaw to hit purple patch

Jones, the first overseas coach of the England side, decided on a change of leadership after a lacklustre World Cup saw tournament hosts England crash out in the first round last year.

Robshaw, now back playing at blindside for club side Harlequins rather than openside - where he made his name internationally -- remains in an England squad for the Six Nations that will now be captained by hooker Dylan Hartley.

"Chris was disappointed, but I think the next part of his career is going to be the best part of his career," Jones said Tuesday.

"I think he'll feel a little bit unburdened and he'll get out and play some good rugby," the Australian added. "He's been doing that for Harlequins and I think he'll do that for England. I'm hopeful that by the end of the Six Nations, he's the best No.6 in Europe.

"I think he's done really well. He's easily the best six in England," added Jones, who compared him to England's 2003 World Cup-winning blindside Richard Hill.





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