Leicester Tigers Sign Springbok World Cup Star

Leicester Tigers have pulled off another massive coup with the signing of Springboks winger JP Pietersen

Telusa Veainu, Matt Smith and Adam Thompstone all put pen-to-paper on new contracts at Welford Road, before the unbeaten Champions Cup side revealed Rugby World Cup winner Pieterson will be joining at the end of the season.

Pietersen is the latest coup for the Tigers, who have also brought in Australia star Matt Toomua for next season. He has scored 22 tries in 66 Test caps since making his international debut in 2006.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class. He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long time but he still has a lot to offer and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe.

“JP is a world-class finisher and offers a threat in the wide channels. We have a strong group of players in the backline already here and with JP and Matt Toomua coming in for next season we are adding to that strength.”

Pietersen, who played with Natal and the Sharks in South Africa, said: “I’m really looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester Tigers and competing for silverware in the Premiership and European Champions Cup.

“I have spent the majority of my career in South Africa and the past few years in Japan and I feel that it’s a perfect time to experience something new.

“I hope to contribute to the team on and off the field in any way I can. I’m looking forward to joining the Tigers after my final Super Rugby season with the Sharks.”