Wasps bring in Rotherham back row

Editor

Wasps have announced the signing of Rotherham Titans back row forward Alex Rieder ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Rieder, who can play anywhere across the back-row, has enjoyed a productive season helping the Titans to the Championship play-offs, as well as gaining personal recognition, which included being named Rotherham's Player of the Season, being nominated for the Championship Player of the Year and earning inclusion in the Championship Dream Team for 2014/15.

The 6'3” flanker will add further depth to a Wasps back row touted as one of the best in the league, including the likes of George Smith, James Haskell, Ashley Johnson, Nathan Hughes, Sam Jones, Guy Thompson and Thomas Young.

On the signing, Wasps' director of rugby Dai Young said: "I've been very impressed with what I've seen of Alex and I'm really pleased to be able to bring him on board next season.

"His ability to play across the back row will be very valuable and we are all looking forward to seeing what he can do at this level.”

Rieder said: "I am grateful to everyone at Rotherham Titans for allowing this move to happen and in particular Martin Jenkinson and Richard Senior for their understanding of my desire to test myself at the highest level. 

"I'm under no illusions as to the challenge that faces me at Wasps, especially when you look at the quality of the players already at their disposal in the back row, but it's one I'm relishing and I'm looking forward to making my mark in pre-season."

Rieder is the tenth Wasps signing ahead of the 2015/16 season, adding to James Johnston, Jimmy Gopperth, Frank Halai, Dan Robson, George Smith, James Downey, Brendan Macken, Tom Bristow and Jamie Stevenson.