Bok Le Roux signs for Wasps
Wasps have made South Africa full-back Willie Le Roux their latest signing as the English Premiership club gear up for a title challenge.
Le Roux, who has won 37 caps for the Springboks, will be available from December once the Japanese domestic season is over as he had already agreed a short-term contract at Top League club Canon Eagles.
The 26-year-old has been signed as a replacement for departed New Zealand full-back Charles Piutau and joins Danny Cipriani, Kurtley Beale and Kyle Eastmond among Wasps' recent high-profile signings.
"When we were looking to replace Piutau, who is up there in the world's top two or three full-backs, Willie was certainly in that level of international company," Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said on Thursday.
"His attacking ability will fit perfectly into the way we want to play. He's really safe under the high ball and also has a good kicking game, so he is a really exciting player to have in anyone's team."
Le Roux was a world player of the year nominee in 2014 and has been an ever-present for South Africa since making his debut three years ago.
"The Super Rugby competition is a great one to play in but I've reached a point in my career where I want to experience new environments and I can't wait for the new challenge," Le Roux said.
"The recent World Cup in England really hit home just how passionate the fans there are about rugby and in weighing up the move, the recent successes Wasps have experienced, the way they play the game and the facilities they have at the Ricoh Arena were big factors in my decision."