Wasps sign talented playmaker Mills from Worcester

Wasps have confirmed the signing of talented and versatile back Ryan Mills, who will join the Club at the end of the season from Worcester Warriors.

The 27-year-old, who has made 106 appearances for Worcester, has shone in the Premiership for a number of years, whether it be at fly-half or centre, while he has captained the side on a number of occasions. A competent goal-kicker, Mills has often shown his kicking prowess, particularly with a match-winning, club-record, 24-point haul to help his side beat Saracens in 2016/17 – a season which saw him called up for two England training camps.

Before his move to Sixways, the centre played 26 times for Gloucester Rugby after graduating from Hartpury College. He previously spent 12 years with Exeter Chiefs from the age of five before cementing a place in the England Under 18 and Under 20 squads.

Mills was part of the Under 20 Junior World Championship and Six Nations squads in 2011 and 2012, helping his country to Grand Slam success in the latter. Wasps Interim Head Coach Lee Blackett said: “Ryan is someone we’ve had our eye on for a while. He’s an established Premiership player who is unlucky to have not picked up any international caps but hopefully we can help him achieve that ambition.

“He has the ability to unlock defences and plays a strong kicking game, while he is a proven leader which will be a huge benefit to the squad.

“He is exactly what we need to add to our backline, and having someone of his ilk joining the Club is massive for all involved, so we’re looking forward to having him on board.” 
Mills said: “For me, I feel like it’s time for a fresh environment and a new, exciting challenge.

“Wasps is a club drenched in history and one that I have always been drawn towards, largely due to the attacking, exciting style of rugby. Hopefully I’ll be able to add to what’s an already dangerous backline and it’s something that I am very much looking forward to.

“Having a fantastic home ground to play at like Ricoh Arena is a real bonus, while I’ve already got some good friends at the Club like Dan Robson, and have played with a few others in various teams, like Thomas Young at Gloucester and Josh Bassett and Joe Launchbury in the England age-groups.

“So, I know the quality of player and personnel that I’ll be joining which makes the decision a lot easier and it’s another reason why I’m looking forward to a new chapter and pulling on the famous Black and Gold.

“I’d like to pay a special thanks to the Warriors players, staff and fans for their tremendous support over the past six years. I don’t regret a second of my time at the club. It was extremely difficult at times but also equally rewarding coming through some of the testing times as we did.

“I’ve made a number of lifelong friends at Warriors and will continue to give my all to the team till the end of the season and hopefully finish on as much of a high as possible with some good memories to take along with me.”