Masi arrives at Adams Park with a treasure chest of international experience for director of rugby Dai Young to delve into having played 69 times for the Azzurri.

His performances during the 2011 RBS 6 Nations led him to be voted as the RBS Player of the Championship and in doing so he became the first Italian to pick up the award.

The 31-year-old also has vast experience of French domestic rugby having plied his trade for three years at Biarritz before turning out for Paris-side Racing Metro for two seasons.

And after announcing his arrival this week Masi stated his anticipation at a new challenge.

He said: "I am really excited and honoured to be joining such a great European club and I am hoping that I can add something to the club both on and off the field.”

Wasps narrowly avoided relegation from the English Premiership last season, ultimately surviving on the last day at the expense of Newcastle Falcons.

And Young was equally expectant at the prospect of what Masi could bring to the 2008 English champions.

“Andrea is a versatile player with proven quality and he will be bringing some vital experience,” Young said.

“We are always looking to add real international quality.

“I see him giving us great depth in our back-line."