'It's been a fantastic five years... we're all buying into the club'

Wasps have confirmed that club centurion James Gaskell has signed a contract extension, becoming the 13th first-team player to commit his future to the club in recent months.

The 29-year-old, who will now embark on his sixth season with the Premiership club, has become a key member of Dai Young’s squad, racking up 108 appearances.

Gaskell, who has also skippered the side on occasions, previously spent six seasons with Sale Sharks, becoming their youngest ever captain at just 20 years old. He also won the club’s academy player of the season award and breakthrough player of the season award in consecutive years, along with being voted as players’ player of the season in 2010.

A former England under-18 and under-20, Gaskell also earned international recognition with England Saxons and captained them in 2011.

The 6ft 7in lock, who can also play in the back row, made 20 appearances for Wasps during the 2018/19 campaign and will be a key senior figure heading into 2019/20.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “James is a fantastic bloke and he’s always someone you can rely on. He constantly gives 110 per cent and he’s exactly the kind of leader you want within your squad as he’s a role model for some of the younger players coming through.

“What’s extremely important for us is building some continuity and stability within the squad and with 13 guys having signed new deals in the last six months, we’ve got a core group of players who are now set to be here for the next couple of seasons or so.

“What’s more is that a lot of these guys have a great deal of experience – and having them commit is a real statement in terms of what we’re looking to build upon here at the club.”

Gaskell added: “I’m really enjoying my time here and it’s been a fantastic five years. I want to help contribute to this team to try and bring us success while also bringing on the next generation.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of players who are all very tight-knit, and with so many of us signing new deals it just shows you that we’re all buying into the club and hopefully that consistency will help drive performances on the field too.”

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