Wasps loan switch for Munster’s James Downey

Former Munster centre James Downey has joined English Premiership side Wasps on loan from Glasgow Warriors for the rest of the season. 

Downey, 33, left Munster last summer on a two-year deal with the Pro12 runners-up but the Ireland international made just three starts in his first six months at the Warriors and is now set for a return to England, where he played for Northampton Saints between 2007 and 2012.

“Wasps have some big games coming up in the Aviva Premiership and European Rugby Champions Cup and my aim is to go down there and challenge for a place in the team,” Downey said.

European Champions Cup quarter-finalists Wasps signed Downey as cover for injured backs Chris Bell and Alapati Leiua and the Dubliner told their club website: “I can’t wait, it’s obviously exciting times here at Wasps and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting some game-time and trying to help the team continue to put pressure on the top four in the Premiership.

“The players here are really positive and have been in great form. They’ve been very welcoming and now I just need to work hard, learn the calls and hopefully I can fit in seamlessly.”