Wasps sign URC pair as cover for injured Fekitoa and banned Oghre

Wasps boss Lee Blackett has moved to shore up his squad following the loss of Malakai Fekitoa to injury and Gabriel Oghre to suspension, the Coventry-based Gallagher Premiership club signing Munster's Alex McHenry and Edinburgh's Patrick Harrison on short-term deals. Fekitoa needed an operation on his dislocated shoulder after the September 25 win over Bristol while Oghre was cited after last Sunday's win over Northampton and banned for three matches.  

A Wasps statement read: "McHenry, a 24-year-old centre, will provide cover for Malakai Fekitoa while he is out with a shoulder injury, while Harrison will provide vital cover at hooker with Gabriel Oghre unavailable.

"The 6ft 2in Irishman McHenry came through the Munster academy and was capped by Ireland U20s in 2017. McHenry also featured for the Ireland 7s side during the following season. The Christian Brothers College product captained Munster U19s in 2015.

"19-year-old Harrison made his Edinburgh debut against Dragons at the Principality Stadium in March 2020 at the age of 18, becoming the youngest hooker in the club’s history.

"He also became the third-youngest debutant in PRO14 history that day - and Edinburgh's fourth youngest debutant of all time. Harrison made his first start for the Scottish side in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup clash against Ulster in June 2021."

Blackett said: “We are delighted to bring Alex and Paddy on board. They will provide vital cover for us while we are without a number of first-team squad players.” McHenry added: “I'm delighted to get the opportunity to play in the Gallagher Premiership. Wasps play a great brand of rugby and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.”

Harrison said: “I'm excited to come down and play some rugby in the English Premiership. Wasps are a famous club and it is an honour to have joined them.”