Sopoaga labelled ‘‘world class’’ No 10
Wasps head coach Dai Young says ‘‘world class’’ Lima Sopoaga will be an ‘‘extremely good fit’’ but Danny Cipriani insists the All Blacks’ signing isn’t necessarily the end of his own career at the English club.
Coventry-based Wasps confirmed Sopoaga’s signing on its official website yesterday.
‘‘When a world-class fly half became available we jumped at the chance, as that doesn’t happen very often,’’ Young said.
‘‘Lima’s track record with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Southland speaks for itself, and we believe he will be an extremely good fit both in our side and within the club.
‘‘A big part of my job is to continually find ways to move things forward, both by developing our current players and when the opportunity arises adding to the squad, and I am confident this signing does this.’’
Sopoaga, 26, will join Wasps next season after 16 tests for the All Blacks and 71 matches for the Highlanders.
His signing has led to speculation that former England first five-eighth Danny Cipriani could be on his way out at Wasps after just two seasons.
Cipriani, 30, has been in talks with a French Top 14 club.
When asked by The Guardian newspaper if Sopoaga’s arrival at Wasps might shape his own future at Wasps, Cipriani said: ‘‘No, I don’t think so.
‘‘This was always going to be a decision that would take time and I’m not remotely worried or about to rush it. This won’t be my last big decision in rugby but it’s close.
‘‘This decision will shape the next five years so it’s exciting. There are a couple of options in the Premiership, there’s a chance to stay at Wasps and there’s a great opportunity to go to France.
‘‘A French club has talked with my agent but nothing has been decided. I just want to play well for Wasps now.’’
Sopoaga’s move has been widely hailed in England with the Daily Telegraph terming it a ‘‘statement signing’’.
‘‘While undoubtedly an indication of Dai Young’s ambition, the move also underlines the financial heft of European club rugby.
‘‘It feels significant that New Zealand’s number two fly-half, theoretically nearing his prime at the age of 26, can be tempted away from home and out of the All Blacks reckoning within two years of Rugby World Cup 2019."