Arrival of Zach Kibirige takes Wasps signings past 11

Newcastle Falcons wing Zach Kibirige has become Wasps 11th new signing for the 2019-20 season.

As revealed by The Rugby Paper in our 26 May edition, Kibirige had agreed terms to move to the Ricoh Arena this summer.

The signing of Kibirige follows hot on the heels of the announcement of Paolo Odogwu’s switch from Sale Sharks.

And Wasps director of rugby Dai Young commented that bolstering the back three was a key priority after the retirement of Christian Wade.

Young told the club’s website: “Since the departure of Christian Wade, we’ve been looking to inject some raw pace into the side and with the signings of Zach and Paolo Odogwu, alongside Callum Sirker graduating into the first-team set-up, we have three exciting, young English-qualified players with a huge amount of potential.”

“We didn’t expect a player of Zach’s calibre to become available at this stage of the season and it was simply too good of an opportunity to miss,” he said.

Kibirige boasts England U20 and England Sevens pedigree and scored nine tries in 12 appearances for Falcons in all competitions last season.

The 24-year-old will be joined in the backline by fellow new recruits Ben Vellacott, Malakai Fekitoa, Matteo Minozzi.

Kibirige added: “I’m looking forward to making the switch to Wasps and continuing to test myself at the top level. Hopefully I can show what I can do and drive standards across a competitive back three.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to my hometown club Newcastle and the supporters for the past seven seasons and wish them all the best of luck in the future.”

For Newcastle and director of rugby Dean Richards, the departure of Kibirge adds to the pain of losing full-back Simon Hammersley and centre Chris Harris from their backline.

But the chance presents itself to Adam Radwan to progress in his development alongside seasoned campaigner Sinoti Sinoti.