WASPS have swooped to sign Georgian second-row Lasha Jaiani, who will join the club immediately.
The 22-year-old was a regular starter for his country in the recent Autumn Nations Cup campaign in which he featured against England, Wales, Ireland and Fiji.
The 6ft 7in lock was educated at Whitgift School, the same school as former Wasps Elliot Daly and Danny Cipriani.
A Georgia U20 representative at the 2017 and 2018 Junior World Championships, the 115kg lock then went on to play for the University of Exeter.
Wasps head coach Lee Blackett said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Lasha onboard.
“He will really complement the great group of locks that we already have at the club and we look forward to furthering his development over his time with us.”
Jaiani added: “I’m extremely happy to be joining a club with such great history. It’s an honour to get the opportunity and I’m really excited to get started. Playing for Wasps will enable me to make a step up in my professional career.”
Wasps enjoyed a thrilling 52-44 Gallagher Premiership win at Bath on Friday night.
Tries from Tom Cruse (2), Brad Shields, Paolo Odogwu (2), Josh Bassett and a penalty try – aided by six conversions and a penalty from Lima Sopoaga – sealed a victory which leaves Wasps fifth in the table after their fourth win from six matches.
Wasps resume their European Champions Cup campaign at Montpellier on Saturday (8pm).
