Wasps sign Samoan prop

 

The 188cm prop will add his considerable stature as well as his international and Premiership experience to a squad that already boasts talented tightheads including Lorenzo Cittadini, Jake Cooper-Woolley and currently injured Phil Swainston, who is set to make his return in November.

 

Johnston made 51 appearances for Saracens since joining ahead of the 2013/14 season, having previously made 102 appearances for Harlequins. He made his international debut against Tonga in 2008, amassing 14 caps including helping his country lift the Pacific Nations Cup in 2012.

 

On the signing, Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: "We're really pleased to add James [Johnston] to our ranks ahead of the new season, having always been impressed with his performances against us, whether in a Saracens or a Harlequins shirt.

 

"His addition provides us with real depth and competition at tighthead, which is what you need at this level of the game."

 

James Johnston said: "When Wasps came in for me, I had no hesitation."

 

"Having watched the changes the club has made in the past few seasons it is clear that Wasps are going places and I am really excited about being involved. 

 

"There are clear ambitions for both the Premiership and the European Champions Cup and I'm really looking forward to being a part of that."

 

James Johnston is the ninth Wasps signing ahead of the 2015/16 season, adding to Jimmy Gopperth, Frank Halai, Dan Robson, George Smith, James Downey, Brendan Macken, Tom Bristow and Jamie Stevenson.