Wasps capture Saracens beast Sione Vailanu

Wasps have announced the signing of Saracens and Tonga powerhouse Sione Vailanu.

The 24-year-old will make the switch to Ricoh Arena in the summer after 18 months with the Premiership champions.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Sione is a strong athlete who will no doubt help us get over the gainline with his strong ball-carrying.

“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.”

Vailanu has played four times for Tonga, which included a try at Millenium Stadium in their recent Autumn International against Wales.

The giant back row previously spent several years in Japan having played Sevens rugby, before making the switch to Saracens, where he has scored three tries in nine first-team appearances.

His latest score came in his side’s Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final win over Worcester Warriors earlier this month.