Hobson swaps Bristol Rugby for Wasps

Bristol tight-head prop Jason Hobson has signed a two-year deal with Wasps.

Hobson, who was capped by England on the 2008 summer tour of New Zealand, follows No 8 Dan Ward-Smith and winger David Lemi in swapping relegated Bristol for the High Wycombe-based outfit.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to working with the club's new forwards coach Trevor Woodman, whose appointment was also confirmed yesterday.

"Wasps is a great club and for me this is a fantastic opportunity to train and play with some of the best in the business," Hobson said.

"There is no denying their success over the years and, having met a few of the lads and the coaches already, you can sense that all eyes are on a strong season.

"With Tony Hanks, Shaun Edwards and Trevor Woodman now on board, I am really looking forward to just getting stuck in and hopefully helping be part of what will be a great year for the club."

Hobson underwent surgery on a disc problem in January, but he is now back to full fitness and ready to join Wasps in pre-season training.

Director of rugby Hanks said: "Jason is a highly promising prop who, despite injury struggles, has still been in the mix on the international scene having been capped by England."

Along with Hobson, Ward-Smith and Lemi, ambitious Wasps have also signed former Australia centre Steve Kefu, winger Tom Varndell, centre Ben Jacobs and Wales scrum-half Warren Fury.