Wallaby Smith signs for Wasps

LONDON — Veteran Australian flank George Smith has joined Premiership outfit Wasps for next season, the London club announced yesterday.

The 34-year-old forward, who won 111 international caps with the Wallabies, played with Lyon in the French Top 14 this season, but the side were relegated.

He previously played for Toulon and Stade Francais in France and with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, while he won the Player of the Year award eight consecutive times during his stint with the Brumbies in Super Rugby.

“Wasps today confirmed the signing of George Smith from Lyon. The Australian flank will join Wasps ahead of the 2015/16 season,” the club said in a statement.

Smith has never played in the Premiership before, but is looking forward to the challenge.

“I am very excited to be joining Wasps. I have always admired their history in Europe and it’s clear from developments on and off the field this season that Wasps are a very progressive and ambitious club, who are determined to get back to the top of the European game,” he said.

— AFP