ALEX Rieder is relishing the prospect of playing in the Aviva Premiership after signing for Wasps ahead of the 2015/16 season.
The back row forward has agreed to a move to the Ricoh Arena from Championship side Rotherham Titans where he helped the Titans to the play-offs last season.
A series of impressive performances earned him Rotherham’s Player of the Season award and he was also nominated for the Championship Player of the Year as well as earning inclusion in the Championship Dream Team for 2014/15.
The flanker will add further depth to a Wasps back row touted as one of the best in the league, including the likes of George Smith, James Haskell, Ashley Johnson, Nathan Hughes, Sam Jones, Guy Thompson and Thomas Young.
Rieder said: “I’m under no illusions as to the challenge that faces me at Wasps, especially when you look at the quality of the players already at their disposal in the back row, but it’s one I’m relishing and I’m looking forward to making my mark in pre-season.”
“I am grateful to everyone at Rotherham Titans for allowing this move to happen and in particular Martin Jenkinson and Richard Senior for their understanding of my desire to test myself at the highest level.
Alex Rieder is the tenth Wasps signing ahead of the 2015/16 season, adding to James Johnston, Jimmy Gopperth, Frank Halai, Dan Robson, George Smith, James Downey, Brendan Macken, Tom Bristow and Jamie Stevenson.
Wasps director of rugby, Dai Young, added: “I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen of Alex and I’m really pleased to be able to bring him on board next season.
“His ability to play across the back row will be very valuable and we are all looking forward to seeing what he can do at this level.”
