Newcastle wing Zach Kibirige to join Wasps next season

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young ©PA

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Newcastle Falcons wing Zach Kibirige has made a switch to the Gallagher Premiership club Wasps ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Kibirige started his professional rugby career with the Falcons in 2012 and was particularly impressive in the recently concluded season where he scored nine tries from 12 appearances. Having represented England at Under 17, Under 18 and Under 20 Levels, Kibirige was called up to England Sevens side for the Rugby European Sevens Grand Prix Series event in Lyon.

“I’m looking forward to making the switch to Wasps and continuing to test myself at the top level. Hopefully I can show what I can do and drive standards across a competitive back three," he told the official website of the club.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to my hometown club Newcastle and the supporters for the past seven seasons and wish them all the best of luck in the future.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young welcomed Kibirige's addition to the club and is confident of his potential.

“We didn’t expect a player of Zach’s calibre to become available at this stage of the season and it was simply too good of an opportunity to miss.

“Zach has lightning speed and power and has proven himself at the top level so I have no doubt he will add some real firepower to our flanks.

“Since the departure of Christian Wade, we’ve been looking to inject some raw pace into the side and with the signings of Zach and Paolo Odogwu, alongside Callum Sirker graduating into the first-team set-up, we have three exciting, young English-qualified players with a huge amount of potential.”

Kibirige becomes the 11th signing for Wasps ahead of the 2019/20 season as they look to bounce after a disappointing last season where they finished eighth in the league with just 10 wins from 22 games.

Zach Kibirige wonder try for England U20 against Wales