Dai Young signs long-term contract extension at Wasps
Thursday 4 January 2018 13:12, UK
Dai Young has committed his future to Wasps by signing a long-term contract extension to remain as their director of rugby.
Young, who joined the club ahead of the 2011/12 campaign, has led the club to victories in their last six Aviva Premiership matches and third spot in the league table.
Wasps suffered an extra-time defeat to Exeter in the Premiership final last season at Twickenham and boast England internationals Joe Launchbury and Elliot Daly at the Ricoh Arena.
"I have really enjoyed my time at Wasps and am excited to be staying at the club," Young, whose length of contract has not been disclosed, said.
"I have huge belief in this squad. A number of players have shown tremendous loyalty to me and to the club and I am pleased to return the faith they have shown in us."
Wasps, who host Saracens on Sunday in the Premiership, have picked up two victories from their opening four group games in the Champions Cup and face a pivotal trip to Twickenham Stoop to face Harlequins later this month.
"After our move to Coventry, it feels like we have started again and taken on a fresh, really exciting challenge," Young added.
"The next step for us is to be consistently involved at the top end of the Premiership table and in the European Champions Cup knock-out stages."
Young has admitted he is "humbled" by speculation linking him with succeeding Warren Gatland as the Wales head coach but believes there is further progress to be achieved.
"As a proud Welshman, I am obviously humbled by being talked about as a possible future national coach. However, here at Wasps, we have made really good progress over the past few years and there is still so much to come.
"I am excited by the potential this squad has and I want to be here to help them fulfil it.
"We were only seconds away from lifting the trophy last season and I want to play my part in going that final step and taking this squad as far as I know it can.
"Our fans and everyone at the club deserve success and I want to be here to help us achieve it."
Wasps chief executive Nick Eastwood added: "Dai is one of world rugby's most respected figures, and I am delighted that he will be staying with us.
"Dai is at the centre of everything that is happening at Wasps. He is integral to Wasps' current performance level and future development.
"You never get anything less than 100 per cent commitment and honesty from him, and he holds a tremendous amount of respect among the players, back-room staff and fans."
