Former IRB young player of the year Pat Barnard has agreed a two-year contract at London Wasps.
South African-born prop thrilled at switch
Former IRB young player of the year Pat Barnard has agreed a two-year contract at Wasps.
The former South African Under-21s prop, who qualifies for to play for England through his mother, arrives at the European champions having spent the past two season with Northampton Saints.
And the 26-year-old Barnard, who has previously played for the Stormers and Western Province, is now relishing the chance to fight for a place at Wasps.
He told the club's official site: "I'm really delighted to be joining Wasps. It's great to be here and I'm very excited about the start of the season, about getting out and playing with this group of players.
"This is a club who have done exceptionally well over recent years, and they have a winning culture. I want to be part of that, but I believe I can bring something to the party as well. I think the way Wasps play compliments the way I play, so I can't wait to get out there and get started.
Challenge
"London Wasps' pack are one of the big reasons why they have been so successful, and I know that competition for a place in the starting line up will be fierce.
"But I'm looking forward to that challenge and my aim, first and foremost, is to get that starting spot."
Barnard will have the perfect tutor in front row play at Wasps, with former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd the forwards coach at Adams Park.
And Dowd believes Barnard's arrival will add to the competition for places.
He said: "By signing Pat we have now finalised our stable of props, all of whom are qualified to play for England.
"His arrival means there will be some very healthy competition for places in the Wasps front row and let me make this clear: we have signed Pat as competition for Phil Vickery, not cover for him.
"That sort of competition is what we need to develop the front row at Wasps over the coming seasons. The likes of Leicester Tigers and Stade Francais have world class front rows, and with the players we now have on our books, we will be fast moving towards a similar position."
