Ross Filipo switches from Bayonne to London Wasps
2007 Heineken Cup winners London Wasps have lost a place in this year’s Amlin Challenge Cup Semifinals.
During the weekend, London Wasps lost to the Harlequins in the quarter finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup played at the Stoop in London. Days after the defeat, the London Wasps have confirmed the signing of Ross Filipo, former All Black Lock on two-year contract.
London Wasps have acquired the services of the Ross Filipo who was currently playing with the Bayonne.
Ross Filipo has the exposure of playing at different levels and in different teams. The most noticeable teams in which Ross Filipo played for includes, the Crusaders, New Zealand Maori team and for All Blacks i.e. featuring for New Zealand’s national side.
Ross Filipo will join play in the second for the London Wasps.
Ross Filipo was part of the Crusaders in 2005, 2006 and 2008. During his stay with the Crusaders, Crusaders have the Super Rugby Championship titles. Prior to joining Crusaders, he was also part of the Hurricanes development.
Ross Filipo became the part of the New Zealand Maori side in 2005. Ross Filipo played for Maori side that took on the visiting British Lions and Irish Lions. He termed his experience in playing in these matches as the limelight of his career.
Ross Filipo later became part of the All Blacks team in 2007. He made his test debut when he took the field against the Canada in Hamilton. Ross Filipo featured mostly at the Lock however; he has also played at the position of Blindside Flanker and at Number
8.
Ross Filipo developed his reputation for his spectacular mobility and ball handling, passing skills. Due to his skills and capabilities, he features regularly for All Blacks. In All Blacks outfit, he had played against the teams like Springboks, Scotland
and Wallabies.
Speaking about the London Ross Filipo skills and abilities, London Wasps interim Director of Rugby Leon Holden said, “Ross’s size, mobility and level of experience will be a great asset to the squad. He is a strong ball carrier and an excellent set-piece
operator so we look forward to him joining us in the summer.”
Currently Ross Filipo is with Bayonne, he joined the team in 2009 at the end of Super 14. Prior to Ross Filipo, London Wasps has also confirmed the signing of Jeremy Castex from Narbonne, Ryan Davis from Exeter, Nicky Robinson from Gloucester and Chris Bell
from Sale.
Ross Filipo is hopeful that his and other players’ inclusion in the London Wasps will help the club to regain its former place among the top English Rugby Clubs. London Wasps this year has played 19 matches and won only eight. London Wasps certainly are
on track to recruit the talent that would help them to regain their former glory. Particularly the inclusion of Ross at Lock has definitely helped the Wasps efforts to strengthen their Pack. It is expected that with the inclusion of big names Wasps will put
a good show in next season.
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