Wasps add forward power

London Wasps have swooped to add power to their pack for next season with the signings of Nathan Hughes from Auckland and Rory Pitman from Rotherham Titans.

Nathan Hughes

Rory Pitman

Hughes, 21, is a young Fijian who hugely impressed playing for Auckland in their most recent ITM Cup campaign, playing a key role in helping his side reach the final. While featuring mainly at number 8 for Auckland, Hughes can also play on the blind side and at lock.

Pitman, 23, is a destructive ball carrying number 8 who has represented Wales at U16, U18 and U20 level and has previous experience at the Ospreys and Glasgow, where he spent six months on loan. Like Hughes, Pitman also has New Zealand provincial experience, having previously had a spell with Taranaki.

London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Nathan is a very exciting young prospect with a real appetite to better himself. He offers us huge versatility, being able to play three positions, and he’s a very strong ball carrier. I’ve known about Rory’s ability for some time and I think he has a lot of potential. He’s a very good player and if he knuckles down here and takes his opportunity he has a big future."