WASPS forwards coach Trevor Woodman believes it’s nonsense to think you have to leave Wasps to make an international breakthrough.

Young stars Joe Launchbury, Christian Wade, Elliot Daly, Billy Vunipola and Joe Simpson have all been recognised by England this winter in either the full or Saxons squad.

Woodman said: “By being with Wasps, you can get recognition internationally.

“Joe Launchbury and James Haskell are playing for England. Then you’ve got the other guys – Elliot Daly, Billy [Vunipola], Joe Simpson, Christian Wade – involved with the Saxons.

“They’re getting exposed to the international set-up. You don’t need to go elsewhere to get international recognition.”

Woodman's comments come after former England and Leicester skipper Lewis Moody suggested Vunipola was leaving Wasps for Saracens to further his international career.

The 20-year-old stunned Wasps by announcing his departure last week, just days after his Saxons call-up.

Moody said: “Regardless of the money, Billy will now be playing in a side that are virtually guaranteed to be in the top four every season.

“If you look at the strength in depth Saracens have in their squad, it’s absolutely no surprise that they are going well in every competition they play in.

“And Billy will be joining that team, making it even stronger and in terms of furthering his international ambitions this can only help him.

“He will be playing in massive games week-in-week-out, something that Wasps could not guarantee him and I'm sure it will not be long before he is challenging consistently for international honours.”

http://www.lv.com/rugby