Nathan Hughes and Willie Le Roux to exit Wasps at end of season

Wasps have confirmed that Nathan Hughes and Willie le Roux will leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the ongoing season.

Fiji born Hughes made his professional rugby debut with Auckland province in 2009 and switched to Wasps in 2013 making 118 appearances including 86 Premiership games for the Ricoh Arena outfit.

The 27-year-old, who has played 18 Tests for England will head to Ashton Gate ahead of the next season after signing three-year deal with Bristol Bears.

“It’s been a great six years at Wasps and even though it was a tough decision, I’m keen to test myself in a new environment," said Hughes.

"I’ll be sad to leave some great friends and teammates but I’d like to thank everyone for making the last six years so memorable and wish everyone involved with the Club the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, South Africa fullback le Roux joined Wasps in 2017 after featuring for Cheetahs and Sharks and has made an impact scoring nine tries from 36 Premiership games.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wasps and would like to thank everyone involved with the Club for their support. I’ll continue to give my all till the end of the season in the Black and Gold," he said.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young expressed disappointment on the news of the experienced duo departing at the end of the season and thanked them for the contribution.

“It’s always disappointing to lose players of such quality but this is professional sport and there isn’t much you can do about it. There are a number of factors that play a part in players’ decisions to move on and unfortunately these guys have opted to move onto pastures new for 2019/20.

“Nathan arrived from New Zealand’s domestic scene and has risen to the top during his time at Wasps, going on to become an England international. It’s a credit to the Club that we’ve been able to help him realise his potential and although it’s a blow to lose such a quality player, we wish him all the best.

“Willie joined Wasps at a time when he wasn’t a part of the Springboks side and since making the move here, he has rediscovered his form and shown that he is a world-class player which in turn has seen him restored to the national side, going on to make over 50 appearances.

"We’d like to place our thanks on record to Willie for his great service to the Club over the past two-and-a-half seasons.”