Euro launch will leave Joe in seventh heaven

Mountains of paperwork — following a bitter two-year dispute over power — have delayed confirmation of the new format but Launchbury already has one eye on qualification. The second-row is desperate to rub shoulders with Europe’s finest and a showdown between the seventh-placed finishers in England and France is expected to determine the final place.

Wasps and Bordeaux-Begles occupy their respective play-off places and Launchbury admitted the new proposals have added some extra spice to the closing weeks of the season.

“It makes the final few games massive for us,” said Launchbury, 22, who this Sunday faces Gloucester in an Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final.

“Sometimes the season can peter out because you’re safe, or not going to make the top four, but now we have a massive focus — not only in the Amlin but in the Premiership as well.

“If we can stay in that seventh place, then there’s a great carrot for us at the end of the season. Some of the French clubs are packed with stars and we would relish the chance of a play-off with them. Any player wants to be playing in the top European competition and I’m no different. If you’re playing well in Europe, then that’s looked upon fondly at international level. I’m desperate for Wasps to get there.”

There is no question over Launchbury’s European credentials. The England forward proved his pedigree throughout the Six Nations and is now among the hottest property in international rugby.

Launchbury will next year face some major decisions over his future. Wasps are desperate to extend his contract beyond the 2014/15 season but there will be no shortage of interest from other clubs. The speculation has already begun and Saracens are reportedly keen on a buying him this summer. But Launchbury’s heart is with Wasps and, at least until the end of next season, he will be playing his rugby at Adams Park.

Launchbury said: “People like to talk.I’ve got another year on my contract and I’m definitely here next season. The boys are brilliant and Dai Young is a great coach who I really enjoy working under. We are moving in the right direction and I love this club.”

European rugby will no doubt be an important factor in the decision. Wasps have an impressive record in the Heineken Cup and Launchbury is hoping to make his own mark on the club, starting by winning this year’s Amlin Challenge Cup.

“People talk about the history of Wasps and everything that has been done before,” he said. “As a group, we’re itching to create our own future. Things are stable behind the scenes now, which is fantastic, and it’s about producing performances on the pitch.

“We feel like we’re getting there. I’ve not really won any trophies as a senior. I won the Six Nations with England Under-20s but that’s about it. You play to win trophies and we’ve been in the quarter-final for the last two years now. I think this year is a good chance for us to win something.”

Apart from flanker Guy Thompson, who faces a fitness test, Wasps have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Glousester’s visit on Sunday. Winger Tom Varndell returned to light training this week following a bicep tear and is hoping to feature in two weeks’ time.

England winger Christian Wade is still in the early stages of his rehabilitation after damaging ligaments in his foot and Young expects the winger to return at the start of next season.

“I don’t see how Christian will be fit for the England tour to New Zealand this summer,” said the Wasps coach, who is still in the market for new  players.

“We’re in talks with three or four guys and we’re hoping to confirm one or two before the end of the season.”

London Wasps take on Gloucester Rugby in The Stinger at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 19 April. Little Mix will be performing and tickets start at £10 (£1 donation to Sport Relief) from ticketmaster.co.uk/wasps

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/405317/Harlequins-up-against-it-in-next-year-s-Heineken-Cup

Euro launch will leave Joe in seventh heaven