Wasps sign South Africa international Willie le Roux

English Premiership club Wasps have announced the signing of South Africa international Willie le Roux ahead of the upcoming season.

Le Roux, who has made 37 international appearances for the Springboks will join Wasps after finishing his commitments with the Japanese club Canon Eagles. This will be his first stint in the English Premiership and will be joining the likes of Danny Cipriani, Kurtley Beale and Kyle Eastmond among the high profile recruits for the upcoming season.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young confirmed that le Roux has been signed as a replacement for New Zealand full-back Charles Piutau, who has moved to Ulster.

"When we were looking to replace Piutau, who is up there in the world's top two or three full-backs, Willie was certainly in that level of international company," Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said.

"His attacking ability will fit perfectly into the way we want to play. He's really safe under the high ball and also has a good kicking game, so he is a really exciting player to have in anyone's team.

"We now have fantastic facilities and the best way to fill those facilities is to play entertaining rugby and to have some of the best players in the world in your team. Willie falls into that category."

Le Roux, who has played over 70 games in the Super Rugby, while representing Cheetahs and Sharks, said he wants to explore new opportunities and is eager to join the Ricoh Arena based club.

"The Super Rugby competition is a great one to play in but I've reached a point in my career where I want to experience new environments and I can't wait for the new challenge," Le Roux said.

"The recent World Cup in England really hit home just how passionate the fans there are about rugby and in weighing up the move, the recent successes Wasps have experienced, the way they play the game and the facilities they have at the Ricoh Arena were big factors in my decision."