Phil Vickery signs new deal at Wasps

Phil Vickery has become the first of London Wasps' contingent of "out of contract" international players to sign a new deal, and looks certain to be followed by flanker Tom Rees.

Vickery, who led England at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, said: "I have been made a very fair offer which I am perfectly satisfied with. Nothing has been signed but we have reached a verbal agreement and I'd be more than happy to stay."

The prop has been given a new two-year deal and Rees is understood to be ready to follow suit. That would leave Danny Cipriani and James Haskell as the two highest profile Wasps internationals yet to announce their plans.

Vickery's decision should help ease fears of the club being hit by an exodus of disgruntled players.

He added: "I don't know about other players' business but I sincerely hope the others who are out of contract sign as well.

"You have to be happy with what you're offered and I hope they get it sorted out. I have nothing but good to say about Wasps."