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Fiji international Gaby Lovobalavu is to join Wasps for the 2017-18 season
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The 31-year-old centre is in his fifth season at Bayonne
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“Gaby’s comfortable playing 12 or 13,” said director of rugby Dai Young
Wasps have announced that Fijian international centre Gabiriele (Gaby) Lovobalavu will join the club ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
The powerful centre, who has won 22 caps for his country and represented Fiji in the last three Rugby World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2015), is currently impressing for Bayonne in the Top 14, having joined them from Toulon in 2012.
“We’re very pleased to have signed another player of Gaby’s quality.” said Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young.
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Gaby’s comfortable playing 12 or 13, which will give us more options, particularly during the international period.
“He’s got really explosive power onto the ball, as well as good pace and the agility and footwork to beat defenders. He carries really well and has huge physicality and dynamism in defence. We expect his physicality to really complement the pace we already have in our backline.
“We expect his physicality to really complement the pace we already have in our backline.
Looking ahead to the move next season, Gaby Lovobalavu said: “I have really enjoyed my time with Bayonne and I am excited about the new challenge in England next season.
“Wasps are a very ambitious club and I was attracted by the attacking rugby they play, which is a pleasure to watch.
Lovobalavu will head to Wasps over the summer, when Samoan international centre Alapati Leiua moves to Bristol Rugby, while Scotland centre Nick De Luca has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.