Aviva Premiership
Wasps set to bolster back-row
ESPNscrum Staff
November 12, 2011
Du Plessis will add some international experience to Wasps' back-row © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Tinus du Plessis | Tom Rees | Dan Ward-Smith
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: England | Wasps

Wasps have reportedly added Namibian back-row Tinus du Plessis to their ranks until the end of the current season.

Du Plessis shone for Namibia during the recent World Cup and will bolster Wasps' forwards in a season which has seen Tom Rees succumb to long-term injury and Dan Ward-Smith forced to hang up his boots. Wasps looked to be on the verge of signing Gennaro Fessia, but failed to tie the Argentinean down due to his wage demands.

Consequently, they have turned to Du Plessis, the former Rotherham Titans blindside, who is relishing the chance to turn out at Adams Park in the hope of earning a contract extension come the end of the season. "I am excited about the challenge and if it is the Lord's will I will end my playing career at Wasps," du Plessis told Die Republikein. "It is every guy's dream to play at a high level. Believe me, I'm going to grab the opportunity with both hands to play with players like Marco Wentzel and other players with international experience. It's a privilege to move and carry on your career in such company."

Du Plessis, who is currently waiting on a work permit, will face Namibian captain Jacques Burger at some stage in the season and he is relishing the chance to lock horns with the Saracens flanker.

"It's never easy to play against Jacques," Du Plessis said. "Luckily Wasps and Saracens have already played in the first round of the league but I would look forward to the January encounter.

"We are good friends and get on well together. Like all Namibians, we will be throwing some meat on the coals together."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.