Can Simon Shaw play forever?

Wednesday 30 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
Guinness Premiership > London Wasps

Simon Shaw, now 36, has been outstanding throughout his career, although it took until this summer for him to achieve recognition for his class in the form of a Lions test appearance.

When he finally did earn his spot on tour, he responded with a man-of-the-match performance that showed he remains one of the best locks in the world.

But there doesn't seem to be any end in sight, as Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks has told the Daily Mail he expects Shawsy to be on the field beyond the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"His enthusiasm and his desire to be involved amazes you," said Hanks. "He is like a big kid at times."

Shaw famously holds the distinction of being the only lock to have scored a drop-goal in the history of the Guinness Premiership and Hanks reckons he could well add to that the honour of being the tournament's first 40-year-old player.