• Guinness Premiership

Sackey confirms Wasps departure

Scrum.com
February 11, 2010
Paul Sackey will leave Wasps at the end of the season © Getty Images
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England wing Paul Sackey will leave Wasps at the end of the season to take up a contract in France.

The former London Irish player is yet to confirm where he will ply his trade next season but he has been linked with Toulon, now the home of England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks admitted that the club could not compete with the offers made to Sackey from French clubs, a worrying development as they look to retain the services of fly-half Danny Cipriani, among others.

"In terms of his departure he has received offers from France that we simply cannot compete with," he said. "This is a situation that currently exists in professional club rugby. It is disappointing to lose a player of Paul's ability and standing within the team, but considering his own career ambitions to play for only two or three more seasons then it is hard to argue with his decision. He is securing his financial future."

Sackey, who won the last of his England caps in 2009, admitted that he could not afford to pass up the opportunities ahead.

"This was the hardest decision I've had to make because my heart is in Wasps and I will always support the club," he said. "I have spent some great years here and my heart is here, but I feel the opportunities put in front of me were just too good to ignore."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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