All Blacks and Highlanders first-five Lima Sopoaga reportedly to sign with Wasps

  • 10/01/2018
Sopoaga has made 16 Test appearances for the All Blacks.
Sopoaga has made 16 Test appearances for the All Blacks. Photo credit: Getty

All Blacks and Highlanders first-five Lima Sopoaga is reportedly set to sign with English Premiership club, Wasps ahead of the 2018/2019 season.

According to Rugbypass.com, the 26-year-old will join the London-based side at the conclusion of the 2018 season.

The move would effectively rule Sopoaga out of All Blacks contention for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Sopoaga has played 16 Tests for New Zealand after making his debut against the Springboks in a 27-20 victory.

With two-time World Player of the Year, Beauden Barrett occupying the first-five position, Sopoaga has been forced to make most of his appearances from the bench.

Sopoaga started just his second Test for the All Blacks in the third Bledisloe Test-loss to the Wallabies last year, and was notably thrilled to get the nod.

"The easy answer is that I'm really excited and it is a great opportunity," said Sopoaga.

"I don't really think I'd be able to articulate with you guys how much it means to me." 

His departure to the Wasps should open the door for Canterbury first-five Richie Mo'unga for further All Blacks selection.

Newshub.