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Wasps sign lock Matt Symons from London Irish

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Wasps have bolstered their pack for the new season with the signing of second-row Matt Symons from London Irish.

Englishman Symons spent three years in New Zealand after leaving Esher in 2012, being named vice captain of the Chiefs in 2015, and was the Exiles' player of the season as they suffered relegation from the Aviva Premiership last season.

The lock is Wasps' ninth signing of the summer and will compete with Joe Launchbury, James Gaskell, Kearnan Myall, James Cannon and Will Rowlands for a starting spot next season, following the departure of Bradley Davies.

Symons said: "I have really enjoyed my time at London Irish and am very grateful for the opportunity of playing this season. There are some outstanding players and people at the club and I am sure they will be back in the Premiership in 2017.

"Wasps is a club that has played an exciting style and successful style of rugby this season. After speaking with Dai, I was very excited at the direction the team is headed in and look forward to joining up with them in the summer."

Director of Rugby Dai Young added: "Matt is a very talented player and we're really pleased to have him join the squad ahead of next season."