Friday 27 February 2015 13:53, UK
Wasps have signed former New Zealand scrum-half Piri Weepu from London Welsh until the end of the season.
Weepu has been released from his Exiles contract and will remain with Wasps until the end of the season, when he will join French club Oyonnax.
Wasps are short of cover at No 9 following injuries to Charlie Davies and Jack Moates.
Wasps have also signed former Gloucester full-back Martyn Thomas until the end of the season.
The Aviva Premiership club are struggling for numbers in the back three as well with Will Helu, Alapati Leiua, Chris Bell, Ben Jacobs and Josh Bassett all on the long-term injured list, and Andrea Masi is also out for a short spell.
Coach Dai Young told the club’s website: “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.”
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.”
Thomas added: “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.”
