Premiership: Leicester Tigers move to replenish scrum-half stocks by signing Bristol Bears player
Leicester Tigers have moved to plug the gap left by Ben Youngs and Jack van Poortvliet during the Six Nations by signing scrum-half Tom Whiteley.
The 27-year-old will join the club this week from Bristol Bears, signing a long-term contract after agreeing an early release from the Ashton Gate outfit.
Not only are Tigers set to be minus the England duo but Richard Wigglesworth is also out of action after recently retiring due to his coaching promotion.
Short on scrum-half options
Whiteley is therefore a welcome addition to the Premiership champions’ squad, with interim head coach Wigglesworth pleased to bring him to the club.
“We are very excited to have Tom join us this week on a long-term deal and looking forward to what he brings to the club,” he told Leicester Tigers‘ website.
“Tom is an experienced campaigner in the league and adds great depth, as well as competition, to our scrum-half ranks.
“Not only does he provide us with options in the position during the Six Nations, while we have two players away with England, it’s pleasing that he’s also committed his future to Tigers beyond this season.
“I am looking forward to working with Tom, a player with his best years ahead, and seeing him contribute to what we are doing at this club.”
Knows the boss from Saracens
Talking about his move from Bristol, Whiteley said: “I am very excited to be joining Tigers, as the club builds on last season’s Premiership success.
“It’s a club with a proud history and a bright future.
“I know Richard Wigglesworth well from our days at Saracens. His knowledge and energy are unbelievable.”
Whiteley could make his Leicester debut as early as this Saturday against Northampton in the Premiership as he commences training at the club this week.
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Leicester will be looking to bounce back this weekend after suffering a loss to Ospreys in their final Champions Cup pool game that cost them a higher seeding.