All Black Vaea Fifita leaves Hurricanes for England
All Blacks flanker Vaea Fifita leaves the Hurricanes to join the Wasps in the English Premiership.
The 29-year-old with 11 test caps, the move confirmed Thursday.
Also able to cover the lockdown, Fifita will join his 2016 Super Rugby title-winning teammates Brad Shields and Jeff Toomaga-Allen in Wasps yellow and black.
Anthony Au-Yeung / Getty Images
All Black Vaea Fifita manages to annoy the Springboks.
Former All Blacks full-back Malakai Fekitoa is also at Wasps although the top five Lima Sopoaga are leaving the club after three years to join Lyon in the French Top 14.
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“I am proud to join one of the most historic rugby clubs in the world,†said Fifita.
“I can’t wait to start what promises to be a very exciting trip with the Wasps. I will work hard to help the team achieve as much success as possible.
“My family and I are eager to experience all that England has to offer.”
Getty Images
Vaea Fifita was a powerful presence for the Hurricanes.
Wasps boss Lee Blackett is thrilled to have another New Zealander in his books.
“We were looking for a quality lock and rear rower and Vaea fits the bill perfectly,†said Blackett announcing the signing.
“So we are delighted to be able to bring an experienced international striker like him on board for next season. We are all delighted to be working with him and the strong group of strikers we have at the club for next season.
Tonga-born Fifita broke into the All Blacks testing with some eye-catching performances in 2017.
But his momentum has run out and he could be part of Steve Hansen’s squad for the 2019 World Cup and hasn’t played since the Springboks draw in Wellington that year.