Daly's ambition had outgrown Wasps says former England captain Moody

Lewis Moody believes Elliot Daly’s move to Saracens came about because his ambitions had outgrown those of Wasps.

Defending Premiership champions Sarries confirmed on Tuesday that England back Daly would move to Allianz Park at the end of the season, ending a career-long association with Wasps.

The last major trophy won by Wasps was the Premiership title in the 2007-08 season, although they did top the table in 2017 only to lose the final to Exeter Chiefs.

And Moody, a Rugby World Cup winner with England, believes Daly’s yearning for medals is behind his decision to seek pastures new.

“I think, as any player is, he’s hungry to win silverware and not finish his career without trophies under his belt,” Moody, speaking on behalf of Land Rover, told Omnisport. 

“Wasps have been there or thereabouts in recent years but not quite got over the gain line, not quite crossed the line to win that silverware. 

“I think obviously his aspirations as an individual have now exceeded what he believes Wasps are maybe capable of now.”

?? Saracens is delighted to announce British & Irish Lion and England international @ElliotDaly will join the club in the summer. ??

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) February 5, 2019

Daly is joining a Sarries side that have won three Premiership titles in the past four seasons and clinched back-to-back European Champions Cups in 2016 and 2017.

Sarries already have an embarrassment of international riches in their squad including Daly’s England team-mates Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola, Jamie George and George Kruis, while Alex Goode and Wales star Liam Williams are among the options at full-back.

But Moody can only see Daly’s skills progressing among such a star-studded team.

“I think it’s an incredible signing for Saracens,” added Moody, a seven-time Premiership and two-time Heineken Cup winner with Leicester Tigers.

“You’ve got a guy like Alex Goode who has been playing full-back there for years, maybe not had the international credit he deserves with the consistency of form he’s put in, and you’ve got Liam Williams.

“There are so many exciting players in that Saracens side and it proves how desperate they are to keep going on and winning more silverware. 

“I think for Elliot Daly it’s a great move and will only keep on promoting his place in the England team and developing him as a player. 

“Those guys around him like Liam and Alex Goode and the many other internationals, I think it will just help him develop his game even further.”

Lewis Moody is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover shares and understands the values of rugby. @LandRoverRugby