Rugby: Charles Piutau set to link up with Wasps on short-term deal

Charles Piutau, who will join Ulster next July, will reportedly sign a six-month contract with Wasps. Photo / Phil Walter / Getty Images

Charles Piutau is expected to sign a short-term contract with English Premiership side Wasps, according to reports out of the UK.

The 23-year-old utility back, who missed out on a place in the All Blacks' 31-man World Cup squad and who will join Ulster next July, will reportedly sign a six-month contract with Wasps.

The BBC reported that Ulster are not in a position to include Piutau on their roster for this season as their foreign allocation is full.

Piutau had hoped to play for the Blues in next season's Super Rugby competition before linking up with Ulster but the move was blocked by New Zealand Rugby, who wanted to protect the pathway to national teams.

He didn't meet the threshold for a Super Rugby contract only, which requires New Zealand eligible players to have played Super Rugby level for at least five years.

Piutau, who has played 17 tests for the All Blacks, signed a $2 million two-year deal with Ulster in April when he had been expected to re-sign with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby.