London Wasps have strengthened their squad by signing three new players for next season on two-year deals: the centre Steve Kefu, No8 Dan Ward-Smith and wing Tom Varndell.

Kefu, who won six caps with Australia between 2001-03, joins from Castres Olympique. The 29-year-old, who spent eight years with the Super 14 side Queensland Reds prior to his move to Europe, said: "Playing against Wasps earlier this year, the talents are undeniable – not only the big names but the young players coming through – particularly Dominic Waldouck."

Ward-Smith joins the club after four seasons with Bristol, where he suffered a serious knee injury, while Varndell will boost Wasps' back division for the next two seasons. Varndell has topped Leicester Tigers' try charts for three successive seasons.

The club's director of rugby, Ian McGeechan, said: "Dan Ward-Smith is one of the strongest back-row carriers in the Guinness Premiership and a very high quality player who we are delighted to have join us. We have a great history of back-row players at the club and we know he is going to add a lot to the squad.

"Tom Varndell is a very exciting signing for us. Probably one of the most promising young wingers in the game and at just 23 we feel he will bring a lot again to the way Wasps want to play. Steve Kefu provides us with the experience we want to replace Riki Flutey at 12. Not a dissimilar player, his experience will be a great benefit to the squad and will be very good for our younger players."