Wasps pull off Fekitoa coup

Toulon's New Zealand international Malakai Fekitoa will join Wasps at the end of the season.

The World Cup-winning centre, who scored eight tries in 24 appearances for the All Blacks, will leave Toulon after two seasons with the Top 14 club.

Wasps on Tuesday announced that Willie le Roux will move on at the end of the campaign and Nathan Hughes is to join the Ricoh Arena exodus with a switch to Bristol, so news of Fekitoa's arrival comes as a timely boost.

Dai Young, Wasps' director of rugby, said: "Malakai is a world-class player with bags of talent.

71 - Since making his @top14rugby debut for @RCTofficiel in November 2017 only 4 players (@fsteyn12, Nakosi, @FickouG, Tuisova) have beaten more defenders (71) than @MalakaiFekitoa. Buzz. pic.twitter.com/nRAyBxwSsc

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) January 16, 2019

"He's a proven player at the top level and to bring someone of his calibre to Wasps is a massive coup for the club.

"We're very much looking forward to welcoming him to the Ricoh in the summer where he will no doubt bring vital experience and know-how which will be of great benefit to some of our younger players."

Fekitoa said: "I am very excited to make the move to the Ricoh Arena next season.

"Wasps are a team that play an exciting brand of rugby and are very ambitious. Hopefully I can help them push forward and achieve silverware in the next few years."