Wasps sign Boks star

 

London Wasps have made their thirteenth summer signing after bringing in South African full back, Willie Le Roux.

The 26 year old, who has already made 37 caps for the Springboks, will arrive at the Premiership side once his current spell in Japan with the Canon Eagles comes to an end.

Le Roux, who joined the Japanese side after the Sharks’ Super Rugby campaign needed, was also nominated for World Player of the Year in 2014.

“Willie has shown on a regular basis that he has the ability to be one of the best full-backs in world rugby,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

“When we were looking to replace Charles Piutau, who is up there in the world’s top two or three international full-backs, Willie was certainly in that level of international company.

“We now have fantastic facilities and the best way to fill those facilities is to play entertaining rugby and to have some of the best players in the world in your team. Willie falls into that category.

“We are also fortunate to have Rob Miller, who has shown his ability at full-back on a regular basis, and is in the same attacking mould. Between Rob and Willie, we feel we can more than hold our own against any team in the full-back category.

“Willie and Rob are also comfortable on the wing and Rob can also cover 10, so we’ve got versatility.”

After losing thirteen players in the summer, Wasps have heavily reinvested in their squad ahead of the season, with additions including both Piutau brothers, Charles and Siale, Australian flanker George Smith and Wales international Bradley Davies.

English duo of Danny Cipriani and Kyle Eastmond, and Australian full back Kurtley Beale have also joined the club.

But with Beale out following a knee injury he sustained in May, and skipper James Haskell, who is out with a foot injury, the new signings could prove pivotal for the upcoming season.

“Our medical team at Wasps have been in close contact with their counterparts at the NSW Waratahs,” said Young. “We’re happy that Kurtley is moving in the right direction. We’re all looking forward to him joining up with the squad in mid-August, but our priority is the player’s welfare