10:30am Friday 12th June 2009
By Alan Feldberg
WASPS’ Lions contingent might not be ready for the start of the Guinness Premiership season on September 5.
Joe Worsley, Simon Shaw and Phil Vickery are all on duty in South Africa this summer.
Riki Flutey is also touring but he will move to Brive when he returns.
However, the forward trio of Worsley, Shaw and Vickery – all 30 somethings – will need plenty of rest when their season finally ends and director of rugby Tony Hanks won’t put a date on their return.
He said: “I’d hope they would all be involved in the final Test so the Lions players will need plenty of time off when they get back, and they will get it.
“It’s been a big year for them with the Premiership, the Autumn internationals and Six Nations and then going on a Lions Tour.
“It’s not just physical, but mental as well, and the last thing we want to do is start the season with a tired squad.”
All four Wasps were on the bench for Wednesday’s 39-3 drubbing of Natal Sharks, with Flutey, Shaw and Vickery getting on after the break.
The final Test against South Africa is at Coca-Cola Park on July 4.
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