Wasps prepared to pay rugby’s highest salary to realise growth ambitions

COVENTRY-based rugby club Wasps have given a further indication of their intention to be a major player in the world game.

The relocation to the Ricoh Arena has proved to be the springboard for the club’s ambition to become the dominant side in English rugby.

A growth in attendances due to the extra capacity the Ricoh provides, together with the ability to raise funds through bond issues have seen the club begin the process of realising those ambitions.

It has now switched its focus to its playing staff, with press reports today linking the club with a move for Australian flanker and World Cup star David Pocock.

The club is rumoured to be prepared to make the player the highest paid in the world game with a contract of £1.4m a year being mentioned.

The club does not appear phased by the rumours, especially as the move follows its deal to land the former golden boy of English rugby, fly half Danny Cipriani for next season.

Pocock’s contract with the Australian Rugby Union expires at the end of the year and he is rumoured to be considering taking a year out of the game to study at university.

However, a return to England – the scene of his country’s strong performance in last-year’s World Cup, could be a factor.

The player also appeared to enjoy his time in the West Midlands and won over fans in Birmingham when his side took on Uruguay in a qualifying game at Villa Park.

He even went so far as to describe the ground as a “cracking stadium” on his Twitter account, and thanked the fans for their support.