BAYONNE has been a simplistic but effective barometer of Wasps’ steady rise since Dai Young arrived at the club in the summer of 2011.

They have played them in the pool stages of the Amlin Challenge Cup in each of his three seasons in charge and their results at the Stade Jean Dauger inform the improvement.

A 19-11 loss away in their first season improved to a 13-13 draw last season.

Last weekend’s 26-13 victory at the same ground continued the trend.

Director of rugby Dai Young said: “I feel as a team we’ve moved forward since I’ve been here. We’d like to take bigger steps than we have, but I don’t think anyone could doubt that we’ve moved forwards.

“Under the financial restraints that we had for a long time, I think we’ve done pretty well.

“But there is a real feel-good factor around the club now, with Derek [Richardson] coming on board.”