Crusaders’ flanker Jonathan Poff makes deal with London Wasps – Rugby update
London Wasps have further strengthened their forward pack as they confirmed the signing of Crusaders’ flanker Jonathan Poff. London Wasps Chief Executive, Chris Thomas, yesterday announced the signing of the England International flanker, Chris Mayor, to
mark his premiership return.
Christchurch born Poff formerly has played for the New Zealand Schools and played for All Blacks at the Under-21 level. Poff studied at St Bede’s College and captained the Tasman Rugby Union in the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup.
27-year-old Poff started his professional rugby career when he joined the Crusaders in 2007. However, he failed to play a single game in the season as he sustained a dangerous knee injury.
Poff made his senior club debut in 2009 against the Stormers at AMI Stadium as he took the field as a substitute. Later in the same year, he started the match in the starting xv against the Lions in Johannesburg. The Crusaders’ flanker scored his first try
against the South African derby a year later at AMI Stadium in 2010.
Poff is a versatile back row forward player and has played at both number eight and openside flanker position. This season, Poff has been a regular member of the injury ridden Crusaders.
Poff made his provincial debut against the Canada A team in 2006 and so far has played approximately 50 games for his provincial side. He has made 17 super rugby appearances that include playing nine games during the Super Rugby 2011 championships.
Commenting on his decision to move to the Northern Hemisphere, Poff said, “This is a really exciting move for me. I am looking forward to a different challenge in England after a couple of years of good experience in Super Rugby.”
Poff has termed the decision to leave Crusaders as a hard one particularly when he was able to learn so much from someone like Riche McCaw. However, he commented that he preferred to join Wasps to become a regular member or first choice player in the side,
which he currently was not able to secure.
Chris Thomas has termed Poff’s joining as an excellent signing for the club. He further added, “He has excellent leadership qualities and having featured for a number of seasons in one of the best club sides in the world, he will bring a lot of top level
experience to the squad.”
Signing of the Crusaders’ flanker will also help Wasps to improve their Premiership and European performances next season.
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