WASPS have added more international experience to their squad next season after confirming the signing of Scottish centre Nick De Luca from Biarritz Olympique.
Following the retirements of former Wasps centres Andrea Masi, Ben Jacobs and James Downey, and injuries to Alapati Leiua and Kurtley Beale, Wasps have moved to bolster their midfield options by adding the talented and experienced centre initially on a short-term contract.
De Luca made his international debut as Scotland’s outside centre in the 2008 Six Nations against France at Murrayfield, and went on to feature in 43 games for his country up until his last test appearance against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 2014.
Having made his name with Edinburgh Rugby, where he played over 125 matches, De Luca moved to Biarritz in 2014 and made over 20 appearances during his two seasons in the Basque Country.
“Whilst we have initially signed Nick on a short-term deal as injury cover, we are not ruling out a longer-term agreement. I have only seen and heard good things about Nick in terms of his attitude, ability and application,” said Wasps’ director of rugby Dai Young.
“He has already proven himself as a top professional and an international rugby player and I am looking forward to working with him when he joins up for pre-season.”
De Luca will join up with the likes of Guy Armitage, Danny Cipriani and Kurtley Beale as well as eight others who have joined Wasps during the off-season.
De Luca added: “I can’t wait to become part of the Wasps family. I followed the team’s success last year and I’m excited by their ambition and their style of play. I’m looking forward to adding to an already world class group of players, staff and fans!”