Wasps sign Maori All-Black wing Ambrose Curtis and lock Charlie Matthews from Harlequins
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Wasps have signed Maori All-Blacks wing Ambrose Curtis and Harlequins lock Charlie Matthews for next season.
Curtis, 26, has played for New Zealand U20s as well as on the International Sevens circuit and joins from Manawatu.
Matthews, also 26, represented England Saxons and played 163 games for Quins.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said Curtis, who can also play at full-back, will bring "added physical presence" to the back line and described Matthews as having "untapped potential".
"Charlie is a proven operator who has performed well against us on a number of occasions," said Young. "When we heard Matt Symons was leaving he was an obvious target.
"With Joe Launchbury, James Gaskell, Kearnan Myall and Will Rowlands already in the squad we are well blessed with second rows. Adding Charlie to that group further increases competition for places."
Matthews said he was looking forward to a "new challenge" at the Coventry-based club having played his first game for Quins against Newcastle at the age of 18.
"It's an exciting time to be heading to the Ricoh Arena as they contend for titles and trophies in the upcoming seasons," he said.
Contracts for Stuart and West
Meanwhile, young Wasps props Will Stuart and Tom West have both been awarded senior contracts.
West, 22, and Stuart, 21, who are both products of Radley College, played alongside Wasps clubmate Jack Willis in England's 2016 World Cup winning squad.
Tighthead Stuart has spent time in the Championship dual-registered with Blackheath, Moseley and Nottingham, for whom West has also played, as well as Henley Hawks.