Wallace: I'll fight for the shirt (From Bucks Free Press)

Local boy vows to fight for Wasps place

9:10am Friday 19th October 2012 in Sport By Alan Feldberg

JACK Wallace is hoping October will be moving month for him as he bids to nail down a place in the Wasps starting XV.

The full back has been on the fringes of the squad for two seasons but hasn’t been able to shift those ahead of him in the queue and make the shirt his own.

However, he scored from the wing against Newport-Gwent Dragons last weekend and the 20-year-old, who celebrates his birthday next Monday, is aiming to stake his claim during a run of Amlin and LV Cup games.

He said: “It’s always going to be frustrating when you’re not involved in any squad.

It’s just a case of taking your opportunities when they come around.

“It’s obviously going to be tough this year because we have a strong squad. Dai [Young] has brought in a lot of great players but, whether it be on the wing or at full back, I’ll take my chance whenever it comes around.

“It was great to get a run at the weekend and hopefully there is going to be an opportunity in the next couple of weeks to really stamp my authority - but it’s tough when there are some great players in your position.”

However, he will have to do something special to shift Tom Varndell, Hugo Southwell or Christian Wade, a former team-mate at RGS High Wycombe.

He said: “Christian is a very special player. The country has already seen that and he is going to go a long way in the game. But whenever you get the opportunity you have to put a marker down and say, ‘I’m here as well’.”

“There are always areas to work on and playing 15 or on the wing requires a totally different skill set, so it’s a case of developing as a player and learning from people who are more experienced in my position.

“We’ve got some great players at the club in my position, so that should set me in good stead whenever I get on the field.”

Wallace has made 23 appearances for the club since making his debut in November 2009 and says he’s not even considering moving on to further his career.

He said: “I’m 100 per cent committed to Wasps. I’ve been at Wasps my whole life. I’m from the area. I’m a local lad and grew up and went to school here.

“I have supported them through their historical achievements in the past and it’s a great squad and a great coaching team.

“I’m 100 per cent committed and 100 per cent behind Dai and his plans. That’s not an issue.”