Vail of cheers as Wasps make a sixth signing
EXPLOSIVE Saracens back-rower Sione Vailanu has become Wasps’ sixth new arrival ahead of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season.
The 24-year-old Tongan is Wasps’ second signing this week following Monday’s announcement that Italian international Matteo Minozzi is joining from Zebre Rugby.
Vailanu will arrive at the Ricoh Arena to help soften the blow of number eight Nathan Hughes, who is joining Bristol Bears.
“Sione is a strong athlete who will no doubt help us get over the gainline with his strong ball-carrying,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
“He has international experience and he is still very young, so we can’t wait to get him on board and try and help him realise his potential in a very competitive back row.”
Saracens signed Vailanu in January 2018 after he had spent four years playing in Japan. A combination of injuries and heavy competition for places in the back row limited him to nine firstteam appearances at the Allianz Park club, scoring three tries.
In August 2018, Rugby World raised the question of Vailanu being the ‘next Billy Vunipola’ – another number eight with Saracens and Wasps connections.
This was after the 6ft 1in 120kg forward scored three tries in Saracens 57-15 pre-season friendly victory over Bedford Blues. Rumours of Vailanu coming to Wasps were first aired by ex-Saracens lock and former Coundon Court School pupil Jim Hamilton on the popular ‘The Rugby Pod’ weekly podcast. The 63-times capped Scotland international said: “He’s a quality player, the power, the raw power, he is better than Nathan Hughes. He is quality.
“If they can keep him fit, you haven’t seen anything like it. “Sarries would be silly to let him go.”
Vailanu joins the in-bound list at Wasps that includes Malakai Fekitoa (Toulon), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Jack Owlett (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Vellacott (Gloucester), and Minozzi.
He said: “I’m looking forward to testing myself in a new environment at a new club.
“Wasps have real pedigree and the way in which they play the game excites me.
“I’m looking forward to making the move to the Midlands and can’t wait to get started.”
Vailanu earned the first of his Tonga caps in November 2017 against Japan. He scored an interception try against Wales in the 74-24 defeat in November 2018.
Meanwhile, new Wasps signing Matteo Minozzi revealed he has ‘realised a childhood dream’ by joining the Gallagher Premiership club.
The 22-year-old was revealed as the latest player to be heading to the Ricoh Arena this summer earlier this week, in the wake of the confirmed departures of superstar players Willie le Roux, Elliot Daly and Nathan Hughes.
Director of rugby Dai Young has placed faith in the Zebre Rugby star’s abilities as he is currently recovering from reconstructive ACL surgery suffered in the opening round of Pro 14 fixtures last summer.
After the signing was revealed on Monday, Minozzi shared a post from his agency along with a lengthy post about the move thanking all those helping him back to full fitness.
In the message he wrote: “Today, finally, I can officially declare that I should be alright for the next sporting season.
“To arrive at the Wasps, one of the most important clubs in Europe is a great step in my sporting career – an opportunity for me to grow professionally in and out of the sport – as a sports person and as a man.”
The talented Italian has earned 10 international caps and was named in the Six Nations 2018 team of the tournament.
Sione is a strong athlete who will no doubt help us get over the gainline with his strong ball-carrying. Dai Young