WASPS have signed the Russian captain and one of his team-mates until the end of the season.

Vladislav Korshunov is a hooker with 57 caps for Russia. The 28-year-old captained his country at the World Cup and has come in as back-up while Rob Webber is away with England.

His national teammate Victor Gresev is described as a ball-carrying number eight.

He was Russian Player of the Year in 2011 and, after being named Man of the Match in both Russia’s World Cup matches against Italy and Australia, was named on the International Rugby Board’s forwards-of-the-tournament list alongside the likes of Thierry Dusautoir and Richie McCaw.

Dai Young said: “These are two players who impressed at the World Cup and they will add strength in depth to the squad for the rest of the season giving us options in key areas.”