Wasps sign All Blacks tighthead Toomaga-Allen

Wasps have signed All Black tighthead Jeff Toomaga-Allen from Super Rugby outfit the Hurricanes.

Toomaga-Allen, who picked up a New Zealand cap against Japan in 2013 and was also named in the 2017 Rugby Championship squad, will make the switch to the Ricoh Arena this summer.

The 28-year-old burst onto the Super Rugby scene with the Canes in 2012 and has gone on to make 101 appearances for the franchise, helping them win the title in 2016 as they defeated the Lions 20-3 in the final.

He was also part of the Wellington-based side’s charge to the 2015 final while they have also made the semi-finals in the last two campaigns.

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Toomaga-Allen will link up with former teammate Brad Shields at Wasps, with both having made their Hurricances debuts back in 2012, and both also reaching the 100-appearance milestone for the Club in 2018.

On the New Zealand domestic stage, Toomaga-Allen has represented Wellington 34 times in the ITM/Mitre 10 Cup, helping them to the final of the competition back in 2013 and was also named as their Top Player in 2012.

Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “To bring someone of Jeff’s calibre to the Club is fantastic news.

“Jeff is a solid scrummager while also being strong in defence, and like most New Zealanders, he is gifted with ball in hand so he’s a terrific all-round player.

“We’re looking forward to him joining us next season as he’ll provide a real wealth of experience to the front row.”

Toomaga-Allen added: “I’m really excited to be joining Wasps later this year. It’s a fantastic Club with a lot of history.

“I want to help the Club compete at the very top of the Premiership and European competitions, and hopefully I can be part of something special in winning trophies.”