HOOKER Tom Cruse has agreed to join Wasps from London Irish for the start of the 2016/17 season.
The 26-year-old has represented Stockport, Sale Sharks, Macclesfield and Rotherham Titans, but has most recently been impressing in the Aviva Premiership with London Irish.
Cruse has made three Premiership and three European Challenge Cup appearances for the Exiles to date and is building a reputation for his dynamism around the field alongside strong work at the set-piece.
The physical hooker shone in the Championship during his two seasons with Rotherham Titans, picking up numerous man of the match awards during his time under the guidance of then Rotherham Head Coach, now Wasps’ Backs Coach, Lee Blackett. He was also named in the 2014 Championship Team of Year.
“I am delighted to be joining Wasps next season,” said Cruse. “I would like to thank everyone at London Irish for their support and will continue to give everything I have until the end of the season.
“Having met with Dai Young, the ambition and direction of the club is clear to see and the opportunity to be part of that going forward is one I am very much looking forward to as a player.”
Wasps’ director of rugby, Dai Young, added: “Tom was the stand-out hooker in the Championship last season while playing for Rotherham Titans and he’s also impressed every time he’s put on the shirt for London Irish this season.
“Tom is a young, mobile hooker and we know there’s plenty more to come from him as he’s still maturing and developing as a player.”
Tom Cruse is the fourth signing to be announced by Wasps for the 2016/17 season, joining Danny Cipriani, Tommy Taylor and Marty Moore.