Umaga a big fan of new recruit Lima

WASPS fly-half Jacob Umaga admitted he has “always been a fan” of Lima Sopoaga ahead of the New Zealander’s arrival at the Ricoh Arena this summer.

Long before the 16-cap All Black was snapped up to bolster the black-and-golds’ backline for next season, one of his likely young understudies has been appreciative of Sopoaga’s abilities.

“I’ve always been a fan of him before he was in the All Blacks squad and was just at the Highlanders,” said Umaga.

“He’s a really good kicker. He’s got nice balanced play. I do like how he plays.

“Whether he fits in with the Wasps game plan, who knows. Coming over to England will be a massive change for him.”

Jacob, the son of former Coventry coach Mike and nephew of former New Zealand captain Tana, already has connections with Sopoaga.

“My cousins know him very well. They used to room with him and they’ve known him the last couple of years,” said Umaga.

“He’s a very good player and is obviously going to be a very good addition to Wasps.”

With Danny Cipriani and Jimmy Gopperth watching from the stands on Sunday, Umaga produced a sublime display of attacking intent that peaked with a stunning secondhalf sidestep to ghost over for one of Wasps’ eight tries.

His half-back partner for both the 66-7 loss at London Irish and the 50-28 win over Tigers was Craig Hampson – who was delighted for the former Kenilworth RFC teenager.

“I’m really happy for him. He’s only just switched to ten. He’s played a lot at 12. He’s really found his feet at ten in the last few weeks,” he said.