Wednesday 7 January 2015 14:04, UK
Tom Varndell and Will Helu will leave Wasps at the end of the season with Varndell set to join Championship side Bristol on a two-year deal.
Bristol are currently top of the Championship and, with next season in mind, the signings of Varndell and Italian Tommaso Benvenuti earlier this week will strengthen a squad hoping to secure promotion to the Aviva Premiership.
Varndell, 29, has scored 81 Premiership tries during his time with Leicester and Wasps which sees him currently second only on the all-time list to Sale Sharks wing Mark Cueto.
“I am an ambitious person, and I believe that Bristol Rugby – with the resources and vision that the club has – matches my ambition’, Varndell said.
“I have had a fantastic time at Wasps and I thank the coaches, team-mates and the supporters for making me so welcome for the past six years.
“I will be fully focused on doing all I can to help Wasps and the squad achieve our goals for the rest of the season.
Helu added: “I have had a great two years at Wasps and I’d like to thank everyone at the club for having me for the last two seasons.
“I know there’s big things to come for Wasps and I’m looking forward to being part of that for the rest of the season and seeing them playing in the big games and finals in the near future.”
“We are delighted to be able to attract Tom’s services for next season”, Bristol rugby director Andy Robinson said.
“He’s a proven try-scorer who knows the Aviva Premiership inside out.
“Tom is one of the quickest players in the world rugby and will suit the style of rugby that we are developing.
“His work rate and attitude made him a firm favourite at Wasps and I’m sure Bristol supporters will look forward to seeing him in the blue and white hoops.”
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Tom has been fantastic for us joining from Leicester Tigers in 2009 and he and Christian Wade have established a prolific partnership on the wing.
“Tom is a fans’ favourite here and I have no doubt that he will do everything in his power to produce his best in black and gold for the rest of the season. We also hope to see him break the record for tries scored in the Premiership whilst wearing the Wasps shirt”.
Regarding Varndell’s replacement, Young added: “We are very close to being able to announce a new signing on the wing, which I believe will excite Wasps and Aviva Premiership rugby fans”.
