Wasps and Gloucester swap No.9s
TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps have had a busy transfer window and their later contract negotiations see England international scrumhalf Joe Simpson join Gloucester in the 2019/20 season.
Simpson has been one of the most consistent performers over the past decade in the Premiership, making in excess of 200 performances for Wasps having graduated from their Academy.
At international level, he has represented England at U19 and U20 level, taking part in the inaugural Junior World Championship in Wales in 2008, as well as playing for the Sevens and Saxons teams.
Currently, Wasps’ longest-serving player, Simpson is also a full international, having represented England in Rugby World Cup 2011.
However, all is not lost, Gloucester’s young scrumhalf Ben Vellacott who will join Wasps.
The 23-year-old will compete for the number nine shirt in 2019/20 after an impressive couple of seasons with the cherry-and-whites.
Vellacott has racked up 45 appearances for Gloucester to date, having crossed the whitewash on 12 occasions.
His breakthrough season came in 2017/18 where he made 27 appearances, scoring seven tries and subsequently being called up to train with the England squad.
He previously spent time at Hartpury College, while he was also a part of Scotland Under 20 squad for the Junior World Championship in 2015.
Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Ben is a young player with a huge amount of potential.
“He is a hungry young athlete who will be keen to compete for a starting place and that’s exactly what we need in order to drive standards across the squad.
“We’re looking forward to having him join in the summer as the pace at which he plays the game is something that will no doubt benefit our backline.
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