Herald on Sunday

Fekitoa looks to add sting over Channel with Wasps

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Former All Black Malakai Fekitoa is set for a sensationa­l switch to the English Premiershi­p, with Wasps tipped to sign the blockbusti­ng centre.

He would link up with former Highlander­s teammate Lima Sopoaga, two key members of the team’s first Super Rugby success in 2015. He would also have regularly played against former Hurricanes captain Brad Shields.

Fekitoa’s news comes just hours after the shock departure of Christian Wade, who is switching codes to the NFL.

Fekitoa lifted the World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015, scoring two tries during their title-winning campaign. He has eight tries in his 24 tests for New Zealand.

Rumours over Fekitoa have gather pace in recent days.

The 26-year-old joined Toulon in 2017, signing a two-year deal and formed a successful partnershi­p with French internatio­nal centre Mathieu Bastareaud.

The departure represents a massive blow for Toulon, who lost another All Blacks centre, Ma’a Nonu, last year.

They have been struggling in the

Top 14 this season too and sit third from bottom with just two wins from their seven matches so far. The Tongan-born player had also been linked to Northampto­n Saints and Saracens and would join Wasps for the start of the 2019/20 season and would continue to be ineligible to represent the All Blacks.

 ??  ?? Malakai Fekitoa is moving to England.
Malakai Fekitoa is moving to England.

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