Friday Round-Up

Wasps have signed Tongan international Siale Piutau, younger brother of Charles Piutau, on a deal until the end of the season.

With Wasps lacking depth in the centres as Alapati Leiua, Andrea Masi and Ben Jacobs are all injured and star centre Elliot Daly away on England duty.

On the signing, Dai Young said: “We’ve been left a little bit short with the injuries in the centres and we’re pleased to be able to add someone of Siale’s experience to the squad. We’re expecting Ben Jacobs to be back fit in the next few weeks but, with Elliot away on England duty for the 6 Nations, we needed to add a bit of depth in that department.

“Siale’s transition into the squad will no doubt be made slightly easier by having his brother here, he’s already contributing a lot in training and we’re pleased to have him on board until the end of the season.”

Siale Piutau added: “It’s such a blessing to be here, one to hopefully play alongside Charles and two to have an opportunity to experience Premiership Rugby.

"I’ve been supporting Charles and watching Wasps this season. I’m really excited about joining these guys, where they are in the table and how they’ve been going in the European Champions Cup. I’m hoping to add as much as I can, while also trying to learn as much as I can from a lot of talented players, in an exciting back line.” 

Dylan Hartley has said he has 'never been more prepared' for this weekends 6 Nations opener, due to everyone wanting him to fail.

Hartley, who took over the captaincy from Chris Robshaw, has been under extreme media scrutiny since Eddie Jones announced that he would take over the role.

But Hartley is not fazed by all the pressure and is all set to go for the opener vs Scotland on Saturday.

"The captaincy thing, the whole media circus - the sideshow that I don't really want to do but I understand that I have got to do - and everyone wanting to see me muck up is making me prepared for this game in a good way," he said.