New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa in action
New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa in action

Gallagher Premiership news: Wasps announce signing of New Zealand World Cup winner Malakai Fekitoa from Toulon


Gallagher Premiership side Wasps have announced the signing of New Zealand World Cup-winning centre Malakai Fekitoa.

The club announced that the 26-year-old will join them from French club Toulon during the summer.

Fekitoa has scored eight tries in 24 games for the All Blacks, including two at the 2015 World Cup when New Zealand retained the trophy.

Fekitoa has also played for the Dunedin-based Highlanders, helping them win the Super Rugby title four years ago.

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

"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 are very much looking forward to welcoming him to the Ricoh (Arena) 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."

Confirmation of the signing comes just 24 hours after Wasps announced the departures of full-back Willie Le Roux and England forward Nathan Hughes.

Hughes will move to Bristol next season on a three-year deal, while it is understood that South Africa international Le Roux could join a Japanese club.

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."

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