News about Josh Bassett

The England no8 and Quins captain may have struggled with his country, but his brace of attempts here helped the Londoners' slim hopes of a top-four finish as the Premiership competition heats up. Steve Borthwick was in the crowd watching, and boss Tabai Matson was enthused: "He was extraordinary in the second half.' In the end, his physical fitness and those of the other carries were significant. He has lines that not many loose forwards do.'

Brad Shields and Dan Robson, both retired England captains, will play for the Barbarians against Northampton Saints next month after being rendered unemployed by Wasps' demise. When the Coventry-based side officially announced administration on Monday, Shields and Robson were two of the 167 Wasps workers who immediately lost their positions. Josh Bassett, the first Wasps player to move on after signing for Harlequins until the season's end, became the first Wasps player to move on. However, many of his former coworkers are already kicking their heels and searching for new clubs, including Shields and Robson. The Barbarians have given the pair a short-term lifeline.