Waldouck makes Saints switch
Wasps have announced that centre Dom Waldouck will leave the club to join Northampton Saints ahead of the upcoming season.
Last Updated: 05/07/12 12:28pm
Wasps have announced that centre Dom Waldouck will leave the club to join Northampton Saints ahead of the upcoming season.
The 24-year-old, who had one year left to run on his contract, has been allowed to leave the club after handing in a written transfer request.
Waldouck came through the academy at Wasps and has played over 100 times for the club, but now feels the time is right to leave Adams Park.
He won the Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership with the London outfit in 2007 and 2008 respectively but could not stop Wasps from struggling to an 11th place finish last season.
"This has been a really difficult decision to arrive at but I feel it is right for me at this stage in my career," Waldouck said.
"I first started training with Wasps when I was 15 and the club has played a massive part in my life over the last nine years.
Memories
"The obvious highlights include the Heineken and Premiership wins, but more importantly the friends I've made and the supporters are the main memories I will take with me as I leave.
"I'd like to thank (director of rugby) Dai Young for his support and advice over the last month, and though he may disagree with my decision, I sincerely wish him and everyone at London Wasps the best for the future."
Wasps tried to persuade the England Saxons player to stay but soon realised that his wish to leave could not be changed.
Young said: "We are really disappointed to lose Dom who we were hoping to play an important role in our squad next season.
"However despite our attempts to talk him round, he has been adamant that he needs a fresh start and it wouldn't do any of us any good to keep him here against his will.
"Dom's ultimate aim is to get back in the England reckoning and he feels he needs to be playing for a side competing at the top of the Aviva Premiership and in the Heineken Cup to do so.
"We are looking immediately to fill the gap he leaves in the squad though this is a tough time of year for recruitment. I wish Dom all the best in the future."