Ayoola Erinle

A big, strong, powerful runner, Ayoola is probably one of the biggest centres in the Guinness Premiership.

Having represented England at Sevens, he burst onto the fifteens scene in a big way in 2004-5, scoring some electric tries and challenging Tom Voyce all the way for the title of club top try scorer.

His exploits were recognised with selection for the England squad who travelled to the Churchill Cup at the end of the 2004-5 season.

In 2005-6 compeition was fierce for a place in the centre, with the return to full fitness of Stuart Abbott and Fraser Waters. Ayoola maintained his form despite some niggling injury problems, clocking up 12 Premiership starts in a total of 26 appearances. A highpoint was undoubtedly scoring in the Powergen Cup Semi-Final in the Miillennium Stadium to ensure Wasps would progress to the final at the expense of rivals Leicester.

Ayoola was tipped for a trip to Australia with England at the end of the season, but instead gained selection for his second Churchill Cup tournament in Canada. Injury restricted him to ony one appearance, in the final game, but Ayoola took his chance and got his name on the scoresheet.

Going under the nickname Oogie, Ayoola brought physical edge to the Wasps midfield from the outset, though making it as a professional was a pleasant surpise for him. Academic as well as athletic, multi-lingual Ayoola put plans to go to university on hold to give rugby a go.

About to embark on his 5th season with the club, the planned pharmacy degree is still on hold. When he's not training, Oogie gives his brain a workout by indulging in his passion for puzzle games, and his media claim to fame is an apprearance on Channel 4's Countdown show. He also enjoys snooker, darts and parlour games!