Wasps sign Scottish centre Nick De Luca

Wasps have confirmed the signing of Scottish international centre Nick De Luca from Biarritz Olympique.

Following the retirements of former Wasps centres Andrea Masi, Ben Jacobs and James Downey, and injuries to Alapati Leiua and Kurtley Beale, Wasps have moved to bolster their midfield options by adding the talented and experienced centre to their 2016/17 squad, initially on a short-term contract.
De Luca made his international debut as Scotland’s outside centre in the 2008 RBS Six Nations, against France at Murrayfield, and went on to feature in 43 games for his country up until his last test appearance against South Africa in Port Elizabeth in 2014.
Having made his name with Edinburgh Rugby, where he played over 125 matches, De Luca moved to Biarritz in 2014 and made over twenty appearances during his two seasons in the Basque Country.
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Whilst we have initially signed Nick on a short-term deal as injury cover, we are not ruling out a longer-term agreement. I have only seen and heard good things about Nick in terms of his attitude, ability and application. He has already proven himself as a top professional and an international rugby player and I am looking forward to working with him when he joins up for pre-season.”
Nick De Luca added: “I can't wait to become part of the Wasps family. I followed the team’s success last year and I'm excited by their ambition and their style of play. I'm looking forward to adding to an already world class group of players, staff and fans!”                                                                                                   De Luca becomes the 11th new signing Wasps have announced ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, joining Guy Armitage, Kurtley Beale, Danny Cipriani, Tom Cruse, Marcus Garratt, Craig Hampson, Marty Moore, Matt Symons, Tommy Taylor and Tom Woolstencroft, while Alex Lundberg has also been promoted from Wasps academy to the senior squad. 
 Players who have left Wasps following the conclusion of the 2015/16 season are:
Lorenzo Cittadini, Bradley Davies, James Downey, Carlo Festuccia, Ben Jacobs, Ruaridh Jackson, Alex Lozowski, Andrea Masi, Charles Piutau, Siale Piutau, Edd Shervington, George Smith and Jamie Stevenson.