Stormers centre heads North
TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have secured the signature of EW Viljoen from the Stormers in Super Rugby.
The South African centre has represented his country at schoolboy and Under-20s level and made 28 appearances for the Cape Town-based Stormers since his debut in 2017.
Viljoen made his Currie Cup debut for the Western Province in 2014 and was selected in the Springboks Under-20s squad for the Junior World Championship the following year, in which he played a starring role on the way to South Africa’s third-place finish in the tournament.
Speaking about Viljoen’s addition to his squad, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “EW is a versatile, skilful and exciting player to have as part of our group.
“He has an impressive resumé for a young man and, at only 24, it’s encouraging to know he still has plenty of improvement left in him.
“EW adds a lot to our outside-back stocks and provides valuable depth in the squad.”
Viljoen said: “The chance to represent a club like Leicester Tigers is one I could not pass up and I’m very excited about the challenge of playing in Premiership rugby.
“I want to play my role and make a contribution to getting Tigers back to where a club of their history and tradition belongs, which I believe Geordan Murphy is building towards.
“It’s an exciting chance to experience northern-hemisphere rugby and I can’t think of a better place to be able to do that than Welford Road.”
The South African is Tigers’ 11th new signing and joins Jaco Taute, Noel Reid, Johnny McPhillips and Joe Thomas as additions to the backline stocks at the club.
Jordan Coghlan has also agreed to a move to Leicester Tigers from Championship side Nottingham Rugby ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The Irish-born back-rower has spent the past three seasons with Nottingham after stints with both Leinster and Munster.
Born in Dublin, Coghlan joined Leinster’s academy at 16 and made his senior debut in 2012. He also represented Ireland Under-20s and was a two-time winner of the British and Irish Cup.
In 2015, Coghlan joined Munster and made eight appearances in one season there before moving to Nottingham. He has since made more than 60 appearances for the East Midlands club.
Speaking about Coghlan’s arrival, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “Jordan is a physical, athletic and experienced player who we are looking forward to welcoming into the club.
“His junior career speaks for itself and achievements in Ireland as a young man have served him well in his career.
“He is an exciting talent and he has earned his spot with impressive showings for Nottingham over recent seasons.”
Coghlan 26, added: “This is Leicester Tigers – the most successful club in English history. For me, to be part of that is a huge honour.
“Geordan Murphy is working hard to build something special here and get Tigers back to the top of the Premiership, where they belong, and I’m happy to be a part of that. I’m just looking forward to getting stuck in.”
