Hanks, who replaced Sir Ian McGeechan in 2009, paid the price for another barren season in February and interim director of rugby Leon Holden has struggled to arrest the slide.

A disappointing domestic season was reflected on the international stage, with only Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley featuring for England during this year’s RBS 6 Nations.

But rather than laying the blame at the door of the club or the departed Hanks, Ward-Smith admits every man must look at his own performance.

“Losing is not fun, nobody enjoys losing and you can’t help but be a little bit annoyed but at the same time we’re trying to keep the spirit good and there is still banter around the club.

“All you can do when you are in this situation is do more analysis, train harder, work harder, try and improve on your skills and be a better player and focus on that side of things rather than splintering off and moaning about the situation you are in.

“That is what we have tried not to do. I think criticising yourself is as far as it should go.

“Personally I’m a big critic of myself and I try not to criticise other people because until you are perfect yourself you should just get on with trying to make yourself a better player.

“It is tough, we are in a difficult situation and players keep dropping like flies and it can get a bit frustrating and that is professional sport and the highs that come after a low are much sweeter because you have been through the bad patch.”

We spoke to Dan Ward-Smith over a pint of Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of London Wasps and supporters of the St George’s Day Game at Twickenham on 23 April. For tickets to the game call 0844 225 2990 or visit www.stgeorgesdaygame.co.uk