London Wasps have today confirmed the signings of Nicky Robinson from Gloucester Rugby and Ryan Davis from Exeter Chiefs. The two Premiership fly-halves join London Wasps as Dave Walder confirms he is to depart to play overseas next season after five years with the club. Both players have joined on two-year contracts.
Welsh international Robinson has been a key figure in the Premiership this season for Gloucester and has been in excellent form lately as his team make a charge for the play-offs. He brings with him top-level experience to Wasps, with 13 international caps. He spent nine seasons with Cardiff before joining Gloucester in the summer of 2009.
Ryan Davis’ form has also been very impressive this year with Exeter, the Premiership’s newcomers. He too brings international experience with him as the 25-year old is a former England U16s and U18s international who captained his country at U21s level in the 2005 Six Nations. He spent six seasons at Bath before moving to Exeter.
Wasps Chief Executive Chris Thomas said: “We are really pleased to be able to bring in two experienced Premiership players in such a key position. With Dave Walder leaving, it was vital that we brought in talented replacements and we think these two players will fit in very well at Wasps as we look to strengthen our squad for next season.”
The new signings come as London Wasps confirm the departure of Dave Walder, who has opted to play overseas next season.
On Walder’s departure Thomas said: “Having been with us since 2006, I know I speak for everyone when I say that Dave has left a real mark on the club. He has decided to prolong his career by playing abroad, something he has always wanted to do, and we fully support that decision. Everyone at the club appreciates what a key role Dave has played for us in recent years, on and off the field, and while we are sorry to see him go, we wish him the very best overseas. The important issue for us is that we are all completely focused on the remainder of this season and send Dave off on a positive note.”
Dave Walder said: “I have really enjoyed the five seasons spent with London Wasps and would like to thank the squad, backroom staff and especially the fans for their support over that time. Wasps is a unique club made up of a great group of people and I have formed strong friendships that I will certainly take with me. I am now eager for a new challenge both on and off the field and negotiations surrounding my next move are extremely positive and I am really excited about the future. However my focus for now remains fully on the club and the run in to the end of the season.”