WASPS have signed one of the most exciting centres in the country according to the club’s director of rugby Dai Young after England international Kyle Eastmond moved to the Ricoh Arena ahead of the 2016/17 season.
The 26-year-old will join Wasps from Aviva Premiership rivals Bath and his considerable skill-set will bolster a Wasps backline that is already brimming with talent.
A natural footballer and distributing centre, Eastmond has dazzling feet and an explosive running game, with an ability to unlock defences while playing flat to the gain-line.
Eastmond made the move to Rugby Union in 2011 after 42 appearances and 401 points for St Helens, as well as four caps for England Rugby League.
After switching codes, Eastmond made swift progress to be selected for England against Argentina in 2013, making his mark on the international scene with a stunning try in his second test against the Pumas.
Eastmond, who already has six England caps to his name, has unfinished business at international level, having narrowly missed out on the World Cup squad and subsequent tour to Australia.
“Kyle is one of the most exciting centres in the Aviva Premiership and we’re really looking forward to adding his talents to an already impressive group of backs at the club,” said Young.
“At Wasps we like to play expansive, attacking rugby and Kyle is a player who can add a lot to that in terms of controlling the game as well as threatening defences, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
“Kyle has already shown his international class and still has plenty of potential to fulfil in Rugby Union and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue his development in black and gold.”
Eastmond becomes the 12th signing Wasps have announced for the 2016/17 season, and he is looking forward to joining the likes of Kurtley Beale, Danny Cipriani, Guy Armitage and Nick De Luca at the Ricoh Arena.
He added: “I’ve been impressed with the style of rugby and the way the club has developed in recent seasons and I’m really looking forward to the new challenge at Wasps.
“When you look at the talented players already at the club it’s hard not to be excited about the possibilities and I feel I am joining a highly ambitious and motivated team, and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
