Irish International Joins Premiership Side

Former Ulster lock Dan Touhy has joined Leicester Tigers on loan from Bristol.

Touhy, who has been capped 11 times by Ireland joins the Premiership outfit on a short-term deal as head coach Matt O’Connor looks to bolster his second-row department after losing Graham Kitchener and Mike Fitzgerald to injury.

The 32-year-old will remains on the Tigers books until December 31, and could end up facing Munster in the pool stages of the Champions Cup.

The Bristol-born forward moved back to England at the start of last season after spending seven years at Ulster, but has yet to make an appearance this term because of a hamstring injury.

“We’ve suffered a couple of injuries at lock and, as we enter a key part of the season in the league and in Europe, we felt it was important to add to our senior players there,” Tigers head coach O’Connor said.

“Dan has played extensively in the Premiership and in the European Cup, and he brings a lot of experience into the squad at an important time.”

Bristol head coach Pat Lam added:

“I was approached by Matt O’Connor, who specifically requested to bring Dan in on loan. It’s a great opportunity for him to get some game-time in the top flight and get some minutes under his belt after returning from a long term injury.

“We’ll be monitoring Dan closely during his time at Welford Road.”