Former Leeds Carnegie star joins Wasps

He was previously with Leicester before moving to Leeds, spending two seasons at each club.

Wentzel said: “It was a hard decision for me to leave Leeds, but I believe it is the best decision for me and the future of the club.

“I really enjoyed my time there and made some great friends. I must thank all my team-mates and the fans for their amazing support the past two years.

“On the other hand, I am really looking forward to join a club with a proud history like Wasps and believe I can play a part to get them back where they belong at the top of English and European rugby.”

Wasps chief executive Chris Thomas added: “Marco will be a fantastic addition to our pack for next season.

“He has much-admired leadership qualities and we know that he is considered a fantastic professional in how he carries himself on and off the pitch.”

And in international news, England have named several uncapped players in their squad to prepare for next Sunday’s clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

The rookie contingent includes Exeter flanker Tom Johnson, who was a key performer for the Chiefs during their impressive debut Aviva Premiership campaign, two 20-year-old props in Harlequins’ Joe Marler and Newcastle’s Kieran Brookes and promising Gloucester centre Henry Trinder.

But the group also features 11 players with senior England experience, among them Bath threequarter Matt Banahan, Saracens-bound halifax-born fly-half Charlie Hodgson and Harlequins wing Ugo Monye.

Yorkshire-educated James Simpson-Daniel is also in the squad.

There are eight players from this season’s English European finalists Northampton and Quins, with England Saxons head coach and former Leeds boss Stuart Lancaster taking charge of preparations for the non-cap game.