Wasps announce signings of No 8s Nathan Hughes and Rory Pitman for next season

Nathan Hughes: Will join Wasps from Auckland in the summer

London Wasps have bolstered their back row by signing Auckland's Nathan Hughes and Rory Pitman from Rotherham Titans.

Fijian Hughes caught Wasps' attention with some impressive displays during Auckland's ITM Cup campaign, playing a key role in helping his side reach the final.

The 21-year-old featured mainly at No 8 but can also play on the blind side and at lock.

Like Hughes, Pitman also has New Zealand provincial experience, having had a spell with Taranaki.

The 23-year-old No 8 has represented Wales at underage levels and has also had spells at the Ospreys and Glasgow.

The pair will join Wasps at the end of the season.

Potential

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."

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