Wasps have announced the signing of New Zealand utility back Charles Piutau on a one-year contract.

The 23-year-old had already agreed to join Ulster from the Auckland Blues next season, but Wasps have moved quickly to secure his services for the 2015-16 campaign.

Ulster are not allowed to include him in their squad for this season as they have already met the limit for foreign players.

"The opportunity arose for us to sign Charles and we jumped at the chance. We're really pleased to have been able to bring on board someone of Charles's quality," director of rugby Dai Young told the Wasps' website.

"His addition will bolster the strong recruitment we've already made for the new season, complementing the talented squad we already have in place.

"Charles will really add to what we are doing at Wasps. We have a number of players, including Charles, who can cover a number of positions in our backline. Charles can play wing, or full-back or centre, just like a number of our guys can interchange."

Piutau has won 17 caps for New Zealand since his debut in 2013 but missed out on a place in the World Cup squad.