Skip to content

Alapati Leiua agrees switch to Bristol from Wasps

Alapati Leiua in action for Wasps
Image: Alapati Leiua in action for Wasps

Alapati Leiua will join Bristol at the end of the season from Wasps.

The Samoa centre is the club's first signing for next term, building towards new head coach Pat Lam's arrival from Connacht in the summer.

Former Hurricanes centre Leiua recovered from two knee ligament operations last term and has had to contend with more competition for midfield places at Wasps.

Get Sky Sports for £20
Get Sky Sports for £20

Upgrade now to watch all eight Sky Sports channels for only £20 for 12 months

Bristol head coach Mark Tainton said: "We're delighted to beat off interest from a number of clubs and capture Alapati's signing.

"He's a robust midfielder who can play in a number of positions in the backline. He's versatile, with excellent hands and acceleration.

"Alapati was a standout performer for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and made a similar impact in his first season with Wasps - he will be a fantastic addition to the Bristol Rugby squad."

New additions Kurtley Beale and Kyle Eastmond, plus Jimmy Gopperth often operating at centre, have limited Leiua's chances at Wasps this term.

Also See:

Connacht Rugby coach Pat Lam looks on before a European Rugby Challenge Cup Quarter Final
Image: Pat Lam will take over as Bristol coach this summer

The 11-cap Samoa centre admitted he was delighted to seal his move.

Bristol remain locked in a relegation scrap with Worcester Warriors, but new boss Lam has already insisted he will take the helm even if the club do face the drop.

"I'm hugely excited about the prospect of joining Bristol Rugby, an ambitious club with a passionate supporter base," said Leiua.

"When I spoke to the club about their vision going forward and the tight-knit culture that they are striving to create, it was an easy decision for me to make.

"There's something special happening at Bristol and I am looking forward to being a part of that journey. For the remainder of the campaign, I'm committed to Wasps and helping the team achieve their goals."

Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and stay glued in to all the latest transfer news from Sky Sports News HQ as the window draws in, all for just £6.99. No contract.

Around Sky