WASPS director of rugby Dai Young has issued a passionate ‘thank you’ message to the club’s supporters following Saturday’s European Champions Cup exit at the hands of Saracens.
Any hopes of Wasps making it through to the final were quashed following a narrow 24-17 defeat at the Madejski Stadium.
Wasps trailed by a single point at half-time despite Saracens dominating the opening period and Ashley Johnson’s late try set up a dramatic finale but they were unable to take the game to extra-time.
It was a bitter disappointment for Wasps who outnumbered the Saracens fans in Reading and Young admits he is disappointed not to have continued the European adventure for them.
“On behalf of the rugby department, I’d like to say a big thank you to our supporters,” said Young. “They were outstanding again
“To drive up to the stadium and see that many Wasps fans, waving their flags and cheering, was incredible. It was like an international welcome and we can’t thank them enough.
“It was a special moment, one that I and I’m sure our players will never forget. It again showed how much this club means to us all and how we all have a part to play – coaches, players, fans and our back room team.
“It’s sad we couldn’t get the result we wanted but it was a special day and I’m sure fans and players loved being back at this level, where we want to play, being part of it all.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t give you the result you deserved, but we will now give the Aviva Premiership absolutely everything we’ve got.”
He added: “I’m disappointed, especially for the players, but I think in fairness Saracens deserved it.
“I’m really proud of this group, we have come out of the group of death, edged Exeter out and pushed Saracens all the way.
“This is the stage of competitions we want to be in. We haven’t been here for a long time. I’ve said to the boys to pull our heads up and push our chests out. We didn’t quite have enough, but the players have done the club proud.”
