Young star shuts door on Wallaby career

TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers announced Australian international back Izaia Perese will join the club on a multi-year agreement ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Born and raised in Brisbane, Perese broke through at the Queensland Reds, earning a call-up to the national team as a teenager.

After stints the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League and Bayonne in France, Perese joined the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season, and quickly became one of the most exciting and devastating attackers in the competition.

An international debut would come in 2022, Perese then earning a spot in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad late last year.

Izaia Perese said: “My family and I are very excited to move to the UK and join Leicester Tigers.”

“I am looking forward to embracing Leicester’s rugby culture and contribute to the club’s legacy.

“We can’t wait for the journey ahead and the chance to create lasting connections with the lads & the community.”

Leicester Tigers general manager, Richard Wilks said: “We can’t wait to welcome Izaia and his young family to Leicester. “

“We set out to add a player with pace and power and we certainly feel we’ve done that.

“He’s a player that gets you out of your seat and I’ve no doubt our supporters will enjoy watching him play in a Tigers shirt.”

Leicester Tigers head coach, Dan McKellar said: “Izzy’s a real point of difference player with footwork, power, and the ability to beat defenders.”

“He’s always had immense talent, but he’s added to that natural game with his defence, his effort areas and having worked with him in the Wallabies environment, I know he’s someone who will thrive playing at Welford Road.”