Springbok prop Vincent Koch to make Wasps switch

Planet Rugby

Wasps have announced the signing of Rugby World Cup-winning tighthead prop Vincent Koch, who will join them from Premiership rivals Saracens.

Koch, 31, has played over 100 times for Saracens, winning European and Premiership titles during that time, and will arrive at Wasps at the end of the season.

He was a key member of South Africa’s World Cup squad in 2019, a campaign that culminated in the Springboks beating England to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.

World-class tighthead

Wasps head coach Lee Blackett said: “We have been looking for a world-class tighthead prop, and in Vincent we have found our man.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring an experienced international forward like him on board for next season.

“He will really add to our scrum and our environment next season, having been a proven winner at club and international levels for many years now.”

Koch added: “The saying goes ‘a change is as good as a holiday’.

“Saracens have been amazing over the last couple of years, and I have had great times there that I will always treasure.

“But I believe it is time for a change, and a new challenge at Wasps is what I need for the next chapter of my career.”

Ospreys in shock after Ifan Phillips’ serious crash

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth has spoken of the shock which has reverberated around the region after hooker Ifan Phillips was involved in a serious incident.

Phillips suffered “life-changing injuries” following a road traffic collision last Sunday and is currently being treated in hospital.

The hooker has played 40 games for the team since making his debut in 2017 and is a former Wales U20 international.