Dai Young has moved to add experience to his squad with World Cup winner Piri Weepu and full-back Martyn Thomas joining as injury cover until the end of the season.
Weepu, who has been plying his trade with London Welsh this season, has been released from his contract with the Exiles and will join up with the Wasps squad for the remainder of the campaign ahead of his move to Oyonnax next season.
With injuries to Charlie Davies and Jack Moates, he will provide competition and backup for Joe Simpson at scrum-half.
Thomas, who will be familiar to the Aviva Premiership from his two seasons with Gloucester, made 39 appearances for the Cherry and Whites after joining from Newport Gwent Dragons in 2012.
He will provide depth to the backline with long-term injuries to Will Helu, Alapati Leiua, Chris Bell, Ben Jacobs and Josh Bassett as well as the injury picked up by Andrea Masi in Friday’s game against Newcastle Falcons.
Dai Young commented: “Both players have great experience at the top level and we expect them both to add a great deal to this squad as we enter the latter stages of the season. With the injury list we currently have in the outside backs and at scrum half, they will both provide some depth to the squad, which is crucial at this stage in the season. We appreciate London Welsh having released Piri to assist Wasps’ injury situation as the Club continues to push for a top six place.”
Weepu said: “I’m really excited about joining Wasps before I head to France next season. I have enjoyed my time with London Welsh in what is a very attritional league this season and I’m looking forward to helping Wasps as they battle it out at the top-end of the Aviva Premiership. Watching from afar, I’ve been impressed with the way Wasps have gone from strength to strength this year and I’m looking forward to adding something to that.”
Thomas added: “I’m delighted to have signed with Wasps until the end of the season. I have very fond memories of the Aviva Premiership from my time with Gloucester and I’m looking forward to getting back into one of the best leagues in world rugby.”
