Guinness Premiership
Rees pens new deal with Wasps
Scrum.com
May 24, 2010
London Wasps flanker Tom Rees, Worcester Warriors v London Wasps, Guinness Premiership, Sixways Stadium, Worcester, England, April 17, 2010
England's Tom Rees has committed himself to Wasps for a further three seasons © Getty Images
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London Wasps have been buoyed by captain Tom Rees' decision to sign a two-year contract extension which will keep him at Adams Park until the end of the 2012/2013 season.

The 25-year-old flanker, who has been capped 15 times by England, has helped Wasps to win two Guinness Premiership titles, a Heineken Cup and an Anglo-Welsh Cup since breaking into the first-team six seasons ago.

"I was pleased to be approached by the club to extend my contract further because I enjoy everything that goes with being a Wasps player. We have a great squad, coaching team and group of fans and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," said Rees, who is a columnist for scrum.com.

"I enjoyed great success as a young player but my challenge now is to drive that success as a senior player and as a captain. We were bitterly disappointed not to reach the play-offs this season but we have undoubtedly improved on last year, climbing the table and ensuring Heineken Cup qualification.

"This squad is very proud of the history of the club, but players join Wasps to win and we are all focused on silverware next season - something I believe we are capable of. Having come through a difficult season with injury, the support of everyone at the club was fantastic and just further cements that 'Wasps family' that we all talk about. I am really pleased that I will continue to be a part of the Club for the next three seasons."

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks, meanwhile, is delighted that the club has been able to hold on to one of its most prized assets in the wake of some high-profile departures.

"Tom is a player who embodies what Wasps is about. He has been raised through the Academy system to become one of the highly regarded and respected English players in our squad and on the wider rugby circuit," he said.

"His dedication, passion and effort have never been more evident than throughout what has been a hugely challenging 2009/10 season for him. To come through two shoulder surgeries and periods of lengthy rehabilitation to lead the team in some of the crucial last round fixtures is admirable. He not only got back to fitness but demonstrated in those games why he is an asset to any squad or set up.

"Tom is a player who I believe has a great future in the international game and as a club we continue to support the development and promotion of our players, backed with financial incentives rather than penalties to push for Elite EPS selection. Whilst much of the talk at this time of the season is centered on new signings, retention of high quality players like Tom has been hugely important to us and to the club's future."

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