Gloucester are delighted to confirm that England international scrum-half Joe Simpson will join the club from Wasps ahead of the 2019-20 season.

Simpson has been one of the most consistent performers over the past decade in the Premiership, making in excess of 200 performances for Wasps having graduated from their Academy.

At international level, he has represented England at U19 and U20 level, taking part in the inaugural Junior World Championship in Wales in 2008, as well as playing for the Sevens and Saxons teams.

Currently Wasps’ longest-serving player, Simpson is also a full international, having represented England in Rugby World Cup 2011.

He has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the top number nines in the Premiership. He possesses an eye for a gap, the pace to exploit it, as well as a superb tactical kicking game and quality service off either hand.

And, according to Gloucester’s director of rugby David Humphreys, his ability and experience will be a valuable addition to the first team squad.

“As we seek to build a squad that is capable of competing for honours at the highest level of the domestic and European game, strength in depth in our squad is crucial,” Humphreys said. “And the addition of Joe to our ranks is a very significant one.

“His background speaks for itself, he has been one of the top performing scrum-halves throughout his career at Wasps, and has shown this season that he’s still performing at the very top of his game.

“Joe’s signing means that we will have significant experience and ability at the scrum-half position next season and we’re all very much looking forward to seeing him in Cherry and White.”

Simpson himself confirmed that he’s looking forward to a new challenge, but still has unfinished business at Wasps.

“I’m excited about joining Gloucester Rugby next season. They are a team on the rise and play an entertaining brand of rugby. I’ve spoken to friends at the club and they have reinforced this.

“I believe the squad that they are assembling is one that is capable of challenging at the top. I feel like the move has come at the right time for me and I am looking forward to starting a new challenge.

“It goes without saying that I will give my all to Wasps until the end of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high note.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Having come through the club’s academy system, Joe has gone on to be capped by England and the fact that he is soon set to make his 250th appearance for the club demonstrates his consistency and also his commitment to the club during that time.

“When you look at some of the greats for Wasps Rugby, he has to be up there and what’s important for me is that he gets the send-off he deserves over the next few months.

“We’d like to thank him for all his efforts and wish him all the best in his next venture.”