London Wasps sign Tongans William Helu and Taione Vea

Wasps have signed Tonga internationals William Helu and Taione Vea.

Centre or wing Helu, 27, played for Bristol after signing from Rugby Roma in 2011, but he returned to the Italian club after a year.

Vea, a 24-year-old prop, recently won his first four international caps and joins after three years with New Zealand outfit North Harbour.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, I'll learn a lot about scrummaging in the northern hemisphere," said Vea.

He continued: "Wasps were one of the first European clubs I started watching as a youngster and I can't wait to get stuck in."

Both players recently played in the Pacific Nations Cup and Helu also has World Cup experience, having been part of the Tonga squad that beat France in the group stage in 2011.

"These signings will add important depth to the squad," Wasps director of rugby Dai Young told the club website.

"William is a hard-running player who covers a few positions in the backline.

"Taione is a developing prop and joins a group of young front row players who are all pushing each other very hard."