Piri Weepu leaves London Welsh for Wasps

Rugby World Cup winning scrumhalf Piri Weepu has called time on his stint with Premiership strugglers London Welsh and moved to Wasps.

The former All Black joined London Welsh for the 2014/15 season but the club have confirmed that he will leave with immediate effect and play for Wasps until the end of the season.

Weepu has already agreed a move to France with Oyonnax next season but has joined Wasps as injury cover.

With 71 test caps for the All Blacks to his name, including a World Cup win in 2011, Weepu will add a wealth of experience to the squad. With injuries to Charlie Davies and Jack Moates, he will provide competition and backup for Joe Simpson at scrum half.

Wasps have also signed fullback Martyn Thomas who will be familiar to the Aviva Premiership from his two seasons with Gloucester Rugby, made 39 appearances for the Cherry and Whites after joining from Newport Gwent Dragons in 2012.

He will provide depth to the backline, with long-term injuries to Will Helu, Alapati Leiua, Chris Bell, Ben Jacobs and Josh Bassett, as well as the injury picked up by Andrea Masi in Friday’s game against Newcastle Falcons.

On the signings, Dai Young said, “Both players have great experience at the top level and we expect them both to add a great deal to this squad as we enter the latter stages of the season. With the injury list we currently have in the outside backs and at scrum half, they will both provide some depth to the squad, which is crucial at this stage in the season. “

“We appreciate London Welsh having released Piri to assist Wasps’ injury situation as the Club continues to push for a top six place.”

On the news of his signing, Weepu said, “I’m really excited about joining Wasps before I head to France next season. I have enjoyed my time with London Welsh in what is a very attritional league this season and I’m looking forward to helping Wasps as they battle it out at the top-end of the Aviva Premiership. “

“Watching from afar, I’ve been impressed with the way Wasps have gone from strength to strength this year and I’m looking forward to adding something to that.”

Martyn Thomas said, “I’m delighted to have signed with Wasps until the end of the season. I have very fond memories of the Aviva Premiership from my time with Gloucester and I’m looking forward to getting back into one of the best leagues in world rugby.”