Voyce Makes The Switch

PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP finalists London Wasps have confirmed the signing of wing Tom Voyce on a two-year contract from their cup final opponents Bath Rugby.

Voyce, capped once by England on their 2001 North America tour, will be joined at the London club next season by Connacht flanker Johnny O'Connor and Cardiff prop Tim Payne, who have also agreed two-year deals.

'I have no doubt that the three new signings will fit perfectly into the club,' said Wasps' rugby director Warren Gatland.

'All three are young and very talented players who have a great future ahead of them.'

Voyce, 22, is rated among English rugby's best finishers, and scored one of the tries that helped secure Bath's Premiership status with a 24-12 victory over Newcastle last weekend.

Wasps have also announced that England internationals Alex King and Simon Shaw are among six players to agree new one-year terms.

Fly-half King had been linked with a move to French club Stade Francais, but has now pledged his immediate future to Wasps, alongside Shaw, full-back Mark van Gisbergen, centre Stuart Abbott, hooker Trevor Leota and back-row forward Peter Scrivener.

'I am extremely, extremely glad that these current players have agreed to re-sign,' added Gatland.

'All are an important part of the club, and have contributed hugely to Wasps over the years.'

Two other players though, hooker Phil Greening and scrum-half Martyn Wood, have yet to agree fresh terms, and remain in negotiations.

Greening and Wood, it is understood, could be targets for two west country Premiership clubs.

Voyce will remain with the west country side until the end of the season, and will be abailable for selectoin for the PARKER PEN CHALLENGE CUP final on May 25.