Bok headlines Wasps exodus

TRANSFER NEWS: Wasps confirmed the departure of three players, including one of their Springboks.

After eight fantastic years, Springbok veteran Ashley Johnson will be leaving the club.

He is joined at the exit door by Billy Searle and Charlie Matthews.

The other Boks at the club are Nizaam Carr and Juan De Jongh.

Johnson, 34, made his Bok debut against Australia in Sydney in July 2011 and played the last of his three Tests against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth in August that year.

All three his Tests were as a loose forward.

The South African, who moved to hooker at Wasps, has become one of the side's most experienced players - with almost 200 appearances under his belt and having captained the club on a number of occasions.

"I would like to thank everyone at Wasps that was part of my incredible journey during the last eight years," Johnson said.

"To the coaches, players, amazing staff and most of all the supporters, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a historic club.

"I have played alongside some incredibly talented players in my time at Wasps, and more importantly I've made some lifelong friends.

"To Dai Young, who signed me back in 2012, thank you for believing and taking a chance on me - I will be forever grateful. Also, to my wife and three kids, thank you for all the love and continued support, this wouldn't have been possible without you.

"It was a privilege and honour to put on the Black and Gold and I will look back on it with fond memories. Relocating to Coventry and playing at the Ricoh is certainly one of the highlights of my career at Wasps."