Duo join London Wasps

Wasps have made a double signing today, taking on Ian Clarke from Leeds and Peter Richards from Bristol Shoguns.

Clarke, a back-row forward, has represented England Under-21s while scrum-half Richards has played at England A level. Both have signed two-year deals.

Former Ireland manager and Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland said: “ I’m delighted at Peter’s and Ian’s signings as I feel they will contribute a great deal to the club over the next season.

“With Martyn Wood leaving for Bath, we needed a good backup to Rob Howley and I feel Peter will offer this.

“Clarke is still young, but he is a big strong forward who can play at six or eight. I’m assuming we will lose a few players to Clive Woodward’s World Cup squad and so the new signings will offer decent backup.”

The duo join former Bath fullback Tom Voyce, prop Tim Payne who moved from Cardiff and ex-flanker Connacht Jonny O’Connor as Wasps’ summer signings.