Charles Piutau signs for Wasps for 2015/16 season
Thursday 10 September 2015 22:52, UK
Wasps have signed New Zealand utility back Charles Piutau from the Auckland Blues on a one-season deal for their forthcoming campaign.
The 23-year-old, who can operate at full-back, wing or centre, will spend the 2015/16 season with Wasps after completing his ITM commitments, having already signed for Ulster for the following season.
Piutau, who has been in superb form for the All Blacks during the past couple of months, was unlucky to narrowly miss out on selection in their final 31-man World Cup squad.
He made his Test debut against France in New Plymouth in June 2013 and has gone on to win 17 caps for his country.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: "The opportunity arose for us to sign Charles and we jumped at the chance. We're really pleased to have been able to bring on board someone of Charles' quality. His addition will bolster the strong recruitment we've already made for the new season, complementing the talented squad we already have in place.
"Charles will really add to what we are doing at Wasps. We have a number of players, including Charles, who can cover a number of positions in our backline. Charles can play wing, or full-back or centre, just like a number of our guys can interchange.
"If we want to be successful, we need to have strength in depth, particularly this season when you switch between Premiership and European games week after week. You are going to pick up bumps and bruises, so it's really important to have players who can play in a couple of positions and strength in depth across the board.
"I believe Charles can add to that. If everyone is fit, it will provide real competition for selection and will give Wasps a real quality backline."
Piutau said: "When the opportunity arose to play for Wasps I was excited. It's a club with a proud history and one that has recruited very well over the last few seasons. I know Alapati Leiua from NZ and am looking forward to playing with him, as well as continuing to play alongside Frank Halai who I have played a lot of rugby with.
"I have also heard great things about playing at the Ricoh Arena and the crowd support there and I look forward to making a contribution to what will hopefully be a very successful season."
