Agents are circling after Wasps demise
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Alfie Barbeary of Wasps reacts during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Wasps and Sale at Ricoh Arena on March 27, 2021 in Coventry, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
ON THE BLINDSIDE
Wasps demise last week started a massive scramble for some of their best talent, just as it did when Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors were placed in liquidation three weeks ago.
England U20 international back row Alfie Barbeary is proving to be one of the most in-demand players on the market, with clubs in three countries moving to secure his services.
Leicester Tigers, Bristol Bears and Bath are all bidding to keep the 22-year-old in the Premiership, while Bordeaux want him to move to the Top 14 and Irish giants Munster are also interested.
Winger Paolo Odogwu could switch his international allegiances to Italy, where he qualifies through his father, and join Benetton Treviso, but he has options elsewhere.
Sale Sharks are interested in Odogwu and tighthead Vincent Koch who is also a target for Stade Francais, but a switch to Bath is now believed to be unlikely to happen.
The Rugby Paper reported last week that former Premiership champions Harlequins were set to offer England lock Joe Launchbury a lifeline while Brive are also keeping tabs on him.
Bristol Bears are keen on England flanker Jack Willis but need to make room in the salary cap before they can move, opening the door for Leicester or Toulouse to move for the 2020 Premiership player of the season.
Younger brother No.8 Tom is another player who interests Bordeaux, while fly-half Charlie Atkinson is also a possible signing for the current Premiership champions.
Saracens are believed to have hooker Tom Cruse, loosehead Robin Hislop and England U20s No.8 Greg Fisilau on their wanted list.
Exeter could move for their former A-team hooker Dan Frost, inside centre Burger Odendaal is off to Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan, while Ben Harris is interesting Biarritz and Soyaux Angouleme.
