'It's time for a change': Wasps sign Springboks prop Vincent Koch

Wasps have pulled off a transfer coup, securing the services of Vincent Koch, the coveted Springboks tighthead who has been playing his club rugby for English rivals Saracens since 2016 after he joined the Londoners from the Super Rugby Stormers. A 2019 World Cup winner, the prop has gone from strength to strength with his country and was an important figure in their recent international campaign, featuring in ten of their 13 matches in 2021. 

Rather than continue on at Saracens, Koch will now look to keep his Test selection prospects ticking over by switching to Wasps for the 2022/23 season leading into the Springboks' World Cup title defence in France.  

“The saying goes ‘a change is as good as a holiday’," explained the 31-year-old Koch, whose loyalty to Saracens resulted in him playing in the Championship for them following their automatic relegation following the 2019/20 Premiership season.

"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’s time for a change and a new challenge at Wasps is what I need for the next chapter of my career.

“I am looking forward to joining Wasps ahead of the 2022/2023 season. I believe Wasps are going in an exciting direction under Lee Blackett and I can add to their vision and goals next season.”

Delighted to have signed the 120kg forward, Wasps boss Blackett added: “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 as he has been a proven winner at club and international levels for many years now.”