London Wasps

What about Josh Lewsey, who looked jaded by the end of last season?

He certainly did not look jaded at the recent Middlesex Sevens, scoring 11 tries. His three-week climbing expedition in the K2 range, far away from rugby, was just what he needed.

Could Tom Palmer, who has joined from relegated Leeds Tykes, prove to be the signing of the season?

It is time for the hugely talented Palmer to come of age as an international-class lock forward, and the perennially challenging atmosphere of the Wasps club could well be the making of him.

Who will play at No 12?

It looks as if it will be a fight between the experience of Fraser Waters, the strength and promise of Ayoola Erinle and the commitment of Rob Hoadley. Dave Walder could be another midfield candidate.

Where will they finish?

Top half, but could struggle again for top three.

TRANSFERS

INS: Simon Amor (Gloucester), David Doherty (Leeds), Mark McMillan (Leeds), Dave Walder (Newcastle Falcons), Nick Adams (Cornish Pirates), Tom Palmer (Leeds), Phil Vickery (Gloucester).

OUTS: Stuart Abbott (Harlequins), Jon Dawson (Newbury), Matt Dawson (retired), Thom Evans (Glasgow), Tim Foster (Blackheath), Phil Greening (retired), Rob Laird (Northampton), Mark Lock (Leeds Tykes), Henry Nwume (retired), Justin Va’a (Glasgow).

FANS GUIDE

HAS THE WASPS NEST GROWN?

The absence of planning permission still prevents any expansion at the Wycombe site, but the club are aiming to make off-pitch activity at the Causeway enjoyable for Wasps of all ages. Bouncy castles and entertainers are among the new features for younger fans.

HOW IS TICKET AVAILABILITY SHAPING UP?

Wasps have sold close to 4,500 season tickets, leaving 5,500 for each match. Many games would be expected to sell out, so don’t leave buying tickets to the last minute, especially as accessibility to the ground can be an issue.

ARE THERE ANY FAMOUS FACES IN THE STANDS?

Jeremy Clarkson will be hoping to see Wasps hit top gear early in the season. Recent favourite Kenny Logan and his wife, Gabby, and her fellow TV presenter, Kirsty Gallacher, are regulars, as are Willie Carson (former jockey) and Alan Curbishley (football manager).

SQUAD

BACKS: S Amor (nationality: Eng), N Baxter (Eng), J Brooks (Eng), D Doherty (Eng), A Erinle (Eng), W Fury (Eng), R Hoadley (Eng), A King (Eng), J Lewsey (Eng), M McMillan (Sco), E Reddan (Ire), P Sackey (Eng), J Staunton (Ire), E Thrower (Eng), M van Gisbergen (Eng), T Voyce (Eng), D Walder (Eng), F Waters (Eng).

FORWARDS: N Adams (Eng), J Barrett (Eng), R Birkett (Eng), P Bracken (Ire), M Corker (Eng), L Dallaglio (Eng), J P Filler (Ire), J Hart (Eng), J Haskell (Eng), R Ibañez (Fr), D Leo (Sam), A McKenzie (Eng), J O’Connor (Ire), T Palmer (Eng), T Payne (Eng), M Purdy (Eng), T Rees (Eng), S Shaw (Eng), G Skivington (Eng), P Vickery (Eng), J Ward (NZ), J Worsley (Eng).

ONE TO WATCH

EOIN REDDAN

Exciting young scrum half who won his first cap for Ireland during last season’s Six Nations Championship

FIXTURES

September

2 Saracens (a, Twickenham)

8 London Irish (h)

17 Harlequins (h)

24 Bristol (a)

30 Cardiff Blues (a)



October

8 London Irish (h)

15 Newcastle Falcons (h)

22 Castres Olympique (h)

28 Perpignan (a)



November

3 Sale Sharks (a)

12 Bath (h)

18 Gloucester (a)

26 Leicester (h)



December

3 Saracens (a)

10 Treviso (h)

16 Treviso (a)

22 Northampton (a)

26 Gloucester (h)



January

1 Bath (a)

7 Worcester (h)

12/13/14 Perpignan (h)

19/20/21 Castres Olympique (a)

26 Worcester (a)



February

18 Sale Sharks (h)

23 Newcastle Falcons (a)



March

4 Bristol (h)

10 Harlequins (a)

18 London Irish (a)



April

8 Saracens (h)

15 Northampton (h)

28 Leicester (a)



KEY

Premiership

EDF Anglo-Welsh Cup

Heineken Cup