Tigers sign code-hopper
TRANSFER NEWS: Leicester Tigers have reunited one of the Premiership’s most effective combinations by signing Kyle Eastmond.
Eastmond, who has represented England in both Rugby League and Rugby Union, signed for Leicester on Wednesday – following a two-year spell at Wasps.
The 29-year-old centre – who has won four caps in Rugby League and six in Union – will hope to recreate the effective partnership he had with Tigers flyhalf George Ford at Bath.
“It’s great to join a massive club like Leicester with a strong tradition,” Eastmond said.
“I’m very happy to be a Tiger.”
For Tigers coach Matt O’Connor, Eastmond’s signing somewhat diluted the disappointment of losing Australian international Matt Toomua, who earlier announced he would be returning to his homeland from 2019 to battle for a place in next year’s World Cup squad.
Toomua, who will join Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels in 2019, will be available for the upcoming Premiership campaign, although he will be away for The Rugby Championship, the annual international competition in the Southern Hemisphere.
“We have some very skilful and exciting players in our backline and Kyle will add to that quality,” said O’Connor.
“He has an impressive skillset and we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring him into the squad here ahead of the new season.”
The Tigers begin their Premiership campaign with a tough away fixture at 2017 champions and last season’s beaten finalists Exeter on September 1.
Agence France-Presse
