Wasps may look to lure Shelford
November 16, 2001

London Wasps are hoping to lure All Black legend to England to bcome their forwards coach to fill the void left after the departure of coaching duo of Gareth Rees and John Lambden.

Former Canadian captain Rees, who was responsible for the backs, and forwards coach Lambden will have their contracts honoured until the end of the season, but have ceased to be part of the Wasps set-up.

Nigel Melville, the director of rugby, informed both men yesterday that a major shakeup was needed to try and kickstart a campaign that has Wasps stuck at the bottom of the Zurich Premiership after six successive defeats.

Rees told the Evening Standard, "It was a shock to get the news because I was the backs coach when we finished second in the league last season and I still believe in my abilities."

Wasps are believed to have contacted Shelford who has just quit as coach of the North Harbour province in New Zealand and he could be tempted to return to England.

The former All Blacks captain was a key figure in the revival of Northampton when the game first went professional before moving to Italy and then New Zealand.

If Shelford opts to stay at home, Wasps could move for Tony Gilbert, the Otago forwards coach.

Meanwhile, the club's rugby director Nigel Melville, who will assume a more hands-on coaching role, said, "We are under-performing and something has to be done."

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