Tonga international Sione Vailanu to make switch from Saracens to Wasps

Tonga international Sione Vailanu will make a switch from Saracens to Gallagher Premiership rivals Wasps ahead of the 2019/20 season.

The 24-year-old featured in Sevens rugby in Japan before joining Saracens in 2018 and has made nine first-team appearances for the Premiership champions in which he scored three tries. Recently, he was seen scoring a try in Saracens' Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final victory over Worcester Warriors.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself in a new environment at a new club," he told Wasps' official website.

“Wasps have real pedigree and the way in which they play the game excites me.

“I’m looking forward to making the move to the Midlands and can’t wait to get started.”

The 6ft back-row has also featured in four Tests for Tonga since making his international debut in 2017 and recently was seen during the November series last year.

“Sione is a strong athlete who will no doubt help us get over the gainline with his strong ball-carrying," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.

“He has international experience and he is still very young, so we can’t wait to get him on board and try and help him realise his potential in a very competitive back row.”