London: England prop Kieran Brookes will bolster English Premiership side Wasps front-row options after he signed from rivals Northampton Saints on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old — capped 16 times since making his Test debut in 2014 — is a ‘proven operator’ according to Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
Brookes played 73 times for Saints since joining them from Newcastle three years ago and also had a two-year stint with Leicester Tigers.
“Kieran is a proven operator at Premiership and international level over a number of years,” Young told the club website.
“He adds to a pool of props, which mixes experience with some fast-developing younger players.
“As we all know, having a solid set-piece is a crucial component in a successful team.
“Kieran’s arrival will further boost us in this area, and he also offers plenty around the park both with ball in hand and defensively.”
Brookes — who played at under-age level for Ireland before opting to play for England — said he hoped to play a role in Wasps moving from title contenders in recent years to winning the Premiership which they have not managed since 2008.
“I am looking forward to joining Wasps and working with Dai and the staff there,” he said.
“There are also plenty of players I already have experience of playing with for England.
“Wasps have done well in recent seasons and hopefully I can play a part as the club tries to push on to the next level.”
