Wasps and England flanker Rees is currently sidelined with a knee injury

Tom Rees admits the departure of James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer this summer will take its toll on the London Wasps dressing room.

Flanker Rees, who is currently out with a knee injury, told BBC London 94.9 they will not be easy to replace.

"Knowing the guys and being on the inside you get an insight and these are our mates that are moving on," he said.

"We are gutted because we are not just losing three quality players three but good mates."

Flanker Haskell, and lock Palmer have both agreed deals to join Stade Francais for the 2009/10 season, while Flutey will join the English contingent already plying their trade at Brive.

Wasps officials have expressed concern at the number of players who are opting for lucrative moves to France.

But Rees does not have a problem with his colleagues deciding to leave the club with several months of the current season remaining.

"These things happen, in any walk of life you move on and decide to take on new challenges and we wish them the best of luck," he added.

"It is now just the responsibility of the guys who are left behind to make sure firstly that we finish the season because none of them leave until next year.

"They will want to come back and prove a point. Tom, James and Riki will all consider themselves Wasps players and they will want to make sure we finish the season on a high."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version