Malakai Fekitoa joins former teammate Lima Sopoaga at Wasps

January 16, 2019
1703
Ultimate Rugby

Wasps have confirmed the signing of former All Blacks and Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa from Toulon.

Fekitoa links up with his former Highlanders teammate Lima Sopoaga, who he won Super Rugby with in 2015.

After two seasons in France, the All Black World Cup winner will make the switch to Ricoh Arena. Fekitoa, who can play at 12 or 13, has bagged eight international tries in 24 appearances for the All Blacks, including two tries at the 2015 Rugby World Cup as he was part of the side which won back-to-back titles for the first time ever.

Alongside Sopoaga, the 26-year-old already has a wealth of experience on his shoulders after four seasons with the Highlanders, where he helped them to a first ever Super Rugby title in 2015 before a semi-final appearance in 2016.

During his time in Dunedin, Fekitoa racked up 20 tries in 65 Super Rugby appearances while he also represented Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Since his switch to France in 2017, the Tongan-born back has played 25 times, crossing the chalk on eight occasions.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Malakai is a world-class player with bags of talent.

“He’s a proven player at the top level and to bring someone of his calibre to Wasps is a massive coup for the Club.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to the Ricoh in the summer where he will no doubt bring vital experience and know-how which will be of great benefit to some of our younger players.”

Fekitoa said: “I am very excited to make the move to the Ricoh Arena next season.

“Wasps are a team that play an exciting brand of rugby and are very ambitious. Hopefully I can help them push forward and achieve silverware in the next few years.”