IRISH CENTRE BRENDAN Macken has signed a new two-year contract with Aviva Premiership side Wasps.
24-year-old Macken came through the academy at his home province Leinster and featured for the senior side 46 times over the course of six seasons, including two starts in the Heineken Cup under Matt O’Connor in the 2013/14 campaign.
Eager for increased game time, Macken joined Gloucester on loan in the second half of last season, before making a permanent switch to Wasps on a one-year deal last summer.
The former Leinster Schools Senior Cup winner has now extended that contract for a further two seasons after impressing director of rugby Dai Young, meaning Macken will be with Wasps until the summer of 2018 at least.
Leinster tighthead Marty Moore is set to join the highly-ambitious and swiftly-rising English club at the end of the current season, having turned down an offer to stay in Ireland.
Macken has played twice in the Premiership this season for Wasps as he battles with the likes of Ben Jacobs, Alapati Leiua, James Downey and new England call-up Elliot Daly for a midfield berth. The former Blackrock College student has scored three tries in this three most recent appearances for the club’s A team.
It was a no-brainer signing a new contract as I have loved my time here at Wasps so far. The players and coaching staff have been great and it’s such an exciting place to be at the moment, so I’m really looking forward to being part of everything going forward,” said Macken.
“Playing at the Ricoh Arena, with all the facilities there, is amazing and I’m looking forward to moving up to the West Midlands over the summer.
“There’s a huge amount of talent in the squad and competition for places is really driving the players on in training. Like everyone, I’m working hard to improve my all-round game and am focusing on doing the simple things well. When given the opportunity, I will just try to take it with both hands.”
Fullback Rob Miller and wing Josh Bassett have also penned new deals with Wasps, although Young said the club were “really disappointed” to confirm that promising out-half Alex Lozowski will move to Saracens next season.
