David Young says yes to Wasps job

David Young has agreed to become London Wasps' new director of rugby and will join the club once they have agreed compensation with Cardiff Blues for their head coach.

As Standard Sport revealed last week Young was Wasps' main target to replace Tony Hanks who left midway through last season.

The former Lions and Wales prop has been involved in the Cardiff management since 2002 and will tell their board tomorrow that he wants to be released from his contract.

Having recently signed a new deal with the Blues, Young's exit looks certain to involve a compensation payment from Wasps and this has yet to be thrashed out.

Former Wasps No8 Dean Ryan and club favourite Alex King, now coaching in France, were interviewed about the job last week but have lost out to Young. Paul Turner, who used to be in charge of Newport Gwent Dragons, was another candidate for the job.

Now, it falls to Young to try and revive the fortunes of the former European and English champions who finished ninth in the Premiership last season and have signed a new group of players including Wales fly-half Nicky Robinson to try and change their fortunes.

Meanwjile, Paul Sampson retired today at the age of 33. The back won three caps with England and his clubs included London Wasps and Bath before ending his career with London Welsh.