Wasps add power to pack

London Wasps have swooped to add power to their pack for next season with the signings of Nathan Hughes from Auckland and Rory Pitman from Rotherham Titans.

Hughes, 21, is a young Fijian who hugely impressed playing for Auckland in their most recent ITM Cup campaign, playing a key role in helping his side reach the Final. While featuring mainly at No.8 for Auckland, Hughes can also play on the blindside and at lock.

Pitman, 23, is a destructive ball-carrying No.8 who has represented Wales at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 level and has previous experience at the Ospreys and Glasgow, where he spent six months on loan. Like Hughes, Pitman also has New Zealand provincial experience, having previously had a spell with Taranaki.

London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Nathan is a very exciting young prospect with a real appetite to better himself. He offers us huge versatility, being able to play three positions, and he’s a very strong ball carrier.

“I’ve known about Rory’s ability for some time and I think he has a lot of potential. He’s a very good player and if he knuckles down here and takes his opportunity he has a big future."