Wasps ready to go to court over Young compensation

(GETTY IMAGES)

Wasps are willing to meet Cardiff Blues in court after refusing to pay compensation for the recruitment of Dai Young.

Young was yesterday unveiled as the club's new director of rugby on a four-year contract, declaring that he had joined "a better team and a better club".

Storm clouds are gathering on the horizon, however, as Young's appointment has placed Wasps on a collision course with the Blues that could end up in legal action.

The 43-year-old, who resigned from the Blues yesterday, had one year remaining on his contract and Cardiff are demanding compensation believed to be in the region of £100,000.

Blues chairman Peter Thomas has threatened to bring a claim against Wasps and Young if no payment is forthcoming. Discussions are ongoing but Wasps have yet to offer any compensation – and chief executive Chris Thomas insists employment law indicates they are not obliged to do so.

"Our position is that we haven't done anything improper to entice Dai away from Cardiff," Thomas said. "It was his decision to resign and accept a position here. He wanted to come. We'll continue to talk to Cardiff but at the moment we're happy with our position."

Meanwhile, Premiership champions Saracens will begin the defence of their title against Wasps at Twickenham on 3 September. In the traditional double-header at HQ, London Irish and Harlequins get the season started in their early 2pm kick-off.

Leicester's quest to regain the title starts with a home game against Exeter. Newly-promoted Worcester were handed a home fixture, Richard Hill's side hosting Sale Sharks at Sixways. Bath have a trip to Kingston Park to face Newcastle Falcons, and the opening weekend's only Sunday game is between beaten play-off semi-finalists Northampton and Gloucester.