Chris Mayor at Northampton in 2009/10
London Wasps have snapped up two exciting young English props as the club strengthens the depth in its squad.
Lewis Thiede joins the Wasps Academy from Doncaster, after an impressive season with the Championship side, while Simon McIntyre joins from Sale having already represented England at U18 level.
Wasps will also welcome Chris Mayor to the squad for next season with the former Northampton centre returning to the Premiership after a stint in Italy.
The two 20-year-old props are seen as signings for the future and they will look to learn from experienced props already at the club such as internationals Tim Payne and Zak Taulafo, while Mayor will add senior experience to key back-line positions including centre and wing.
Mayor is primarily a centre but can play in a number of positions across the backline. The rugby league convert, who has played for England at 7s and U21 level, has a wealth of previous Premiership experience with Sale and Northampton and has spent the past year playing in Italy.
London Wasps Chief Executive Chris Thomas said: “We are pleased to be able to bring in two young and exciting props who we will look to develop into the first team in the coming seasons. We are looking to create long-term strength in depth throughout the squad, especially in pivotal positions in the front row, and we have identified these two young players as two for the future. Chris Mayor is a player with plenty of Premiership experience and his ability to cover a range of positions in the backs will be a big bonus.”
Lewis Thiede said: “I’m really pleased to be linking up with a Premiership club and am looking forward to the challenges ahead of me. With some great coaches and some experienced players, London Wasps is the perfect place for me to develop and grow.”
Simon McIntyre added: “Front row is a position where you are learning all the time as a young player and a new environment I hope can help me take my game to the next level.”
Chris Mayor said: “I’ve had a great experience with a developing team in Parma over the last year, having wanted to spend a season in a totally different environment. I feel I have a good few years left in me at Premiership level. Wasps is a great club with a strong heritage and I am looking forward to being part of a new era there.”