Wasps sign 7s flier but Leicester lose theirs to Australia
WASPS duo Danny Cipriani and James Haskell have signed for Gloucester and Northampton respectively with the pair opting to stay in England to remain eligible for international selection.
However boosting Wasps’ ranks will be Maori All Blacks wing Ambrose Curtis and Harlequins lock Charlie Matthews.
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 Yong 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”.
Saracens duo Juan Figallo and Duncan Taylor have extended their contracts at the club until the summer of 2021.
Scarlets have signed flyhalf Angus O’Brien from Dragons. The 23-year-old former Wales U20s player was Dragons’ top scorer in 2016-17.
The Llanelli side have also added loose forward Ed Kennedy for the upcoming season.
Munster have confirmed the one-year signing of South African back row Arno Botha. The move is subject to medical clearance and obtaining a work permit.
Nick Malouf is to return to Australian Sevens after spending just one season with Leicester Tigers.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “It is very disappointing to lose Nick. He worked very hard to earn a place here and he demonstrated that he has a big future ahead of him.
“But we wish him well for the future.”
Ospreys have made Argentine back rower, Guido Volpi, their latest recruit after he impressed on trial with the region last month.
Northampton have brought in Matt Ferguson, 39, as assistant coach after he spent the last 12 months working as a scrum consultant with London Irish where he linked up with new Saints tighthead Ben Franks.