Burns returning to Tigers

Burns’ heavily-rumoured return to Leicester Tigers has been confirmed.

The 30-year-old, currently playing for Toyota Jido Shokki in Japan, returns to Leicester ahead of the 2021/22 season for a second stint at the club where he made 75 appearances between 2014-17.

He joined Leicester from Gloucester in 2014 and scored 603 points for Tigers in three seasons, before moving to Bath Rugby ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

The fly-half, also capable of playing at full-back, was voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year in the 2016/17 season, in which he helped lead the club to an Anglo-welsh Cup title win.

After three seasons with Bath, Burns moved to Japan in for the 2020/21 season.

Speaking about the addition of Burns from next season, Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Freddie back to the club from next season.

“He is an experienced Premiership player who has played international rugby and will be a valuable addition to our squad.

“I have been impressed with the way Freddie has spoken about wanting to be a part of what we are building at Tigers and his determination to be a leader in our squad.”

Burns added: “I can’t wait to be back in Leicester and part of the club again.

“I can see the changes in the team and clear identity of the squad with Steve and want to be a part of that.

“I am coming back to compete and want to be playing in the Premiership once again. Tigers fans are so passionate and I always had such a good connection with them, they are definitely a reason why I want to come back to the club.”