An emotional Joe Launchbury has admitted he will 'never get over' being made redundant by Wasps after being at the club for over a decade.
The financial crisis plaguing English rugby deepened last week when the Coventry-based club were suspended by the Premiership, amid debts of more than £35 million. The money owed relates to the club's move from London to the midlands back in 2014, as well as unpaid tax bills to HMRC.
On Monday, Wasps entered administration, meaning they join Worcester Warriors in being relegated. And on a devastating day for club employees, 167 players and staff members were made redundant.
Amongst them was second row Launchbury, who has made over 150 league appearances for the club since joining from Worthing in 2010. Many of those came as captain after being given the armband ahead of the 2016/17 season.
"I can't believe I am writing this. Being made redundant today from an organisation that means so much to me and my family is impossible to take.," he said on Instagram, along with a family picture taken at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
"I joined the club in 2010 and have enjoyed some amazing days surrounded by the best team mates, support staff and supporters. It has always been so much more than a place of work, it was a place my family could call home.
"I'm not sure I will ever get over the news today but I will try my best to move forward and support my family. Thanks Wasps Rugby for letting me live my dream."
Launchbury, how has also won 69 caps for England, is now reportedly in talks with Harlequins over a potential move. The 31-year-old was at the London club as a youngster, but the toped not to offer him a full time contract and he was released at 18.
There was no place for the player in Eddie Jones' latest 36-man squad, but teammate Jack Willis was picked by England just hours before being informed he was being released by Wasps. The 25-year-old has just three caps to his name so far.
