RUGBY UNION: WASPS newest signing Gabiriele Lovobalavu has described the setup at Wasps as world class as he looks forward to a move to the Ricoh Arena for the 2017/18 campaign.
The Fijian international centre will move to Wasps from Bayonne in the Top 14 for the club’s 150th Anniversary season.
Gaby has won 22 caps for his country and represented Fiji in the last three Rugby World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2015 in England.
The 31-year-old, who previously played for Toulon, will head to Wasps this summer, when Samoan international centre Alapati Leiua moves to Bristol Rugby, while Scotland centre Nick De Luca has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
“Wasps are a very ambitious club and I was attracted by the attacking rugby they play, which is a pleasure to watch,” said Gaby Lovobalavu.
“I am excited by the chance to train in a world class environment, with world class players and I’m looking forward to really challenging myself every day, taking myself out of my comfort zone.
“”It will also be great to experience a new culture, a new environment and a new competition. I look forward to getting to know the coaches, my new teammates and the Wasps’ supporters and to settling into the town with my family.
“I have really enjoyed my time with Bayonne and I am excited about the new challenge in England next season.”
Speaking about Wasps’ newest international recruit, Young added: “Gaby’s comfortable playing 12 or 13, which will give us more options, particularly during the international period.
“He’s got really explosive power onto the ball, as well as good pace and the agility and footwork to beat defenders.
“He carries really well and has huge physicality and dynamism in defence. We expect his physicality to really complement the pace we already have in our backline.”
