London Wasps acquire Scottish international utility back Hugo Southwell from Stade Francais - Rugby news
London based English Rugby Union club, London Wasps, has acquired the services of Scottish international utility back player, Hugo Southwell, from French Top14 outfit, Stade Francais. Officials
at the club have confirmed the signing of Southwell from Stade Francais in a statement released on their website on Thursday, August 4.
Hugo Southwell is the Wasps 13th signing in the club's bid to strengthen their squad for their 2011/12 Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup campaigns.
London Wasps newly appointed Director of Rugby, Dai Young, has expressed his satisfaction on securing the services of the utility back. He termed Southwell’s inclusion in the side as a great
addition. He said, “Hugo is a great addition to the squad for the coming season, adding depth to the back three which is an area we identified as somewhere we needed strengthening.”
Young further commented that their backs pack consisted of relatively young players and these players will learn a great deal, from Southwell. His diverse international and domestic experience
will help the younger players to develop their game.
London born Southwell started his rugby career with Bristol Shoguns. Later he joined the Worcester Warriors Rugby Union club and later, in 2004, he joined the Scottish Professional Rugby Union
club, Edinburgh Rugby.
The 31-year-old Southwell, made his international debut for Scotland against Samoa in June 2004. He has made 59 international appearances for Scotland and has scored 40 points. He was also
part of Scotland’s team in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Southwell is a versatile winger and fullback. He has expressed his delighted on signing the new deal with the Wasps to mark his return to the English Premiership.
Commenting on his decision to join the club, Southwell said, “I have been encouraged by the squad that the club has put together and I believe Dai Young is building something positive and I
hope that I can add to that.”
Southwell has expressed his optimism to play a role in the club’s success during the 2011/12 Premiership season. He further added, “I am really keen to get started, hopefully I can see some
game-time early on and push on from there.”
Besides Southwell, other signings by Wasps to strengthen their squad for next season includes, Nicky Robinson from Gloucester Rugby, Ryan Davis from Exeter Chiefs, Chris Bell from Sale Sharks,
Chris Mayor from Gran Parma, Jeremy Castex from Narbonne, Jonathan Poff from Crusaders, Simon McIntyre from Sale Sharks, Marco Wentzel from Leeds Carnegie, Guillermo Roan from La Plata, Alex Cheesman from Oxford University, Steve Thompson from Leeds Carnegie,
and Ross Filipo from Bayonne.
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