Tigers splash out to bring home prodigal son George
GEORGE Ford this wek ended months of speculations by confirming he will be heading back to Leicester next season in a move that will see
Freddie Burns join Bath.
England fly-half Ford has spent the last four seasons at the Rec and had two years left on his current contract but he has been keen to leave following the sacking of his father Mike as director of rugby last summer.
Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger, who also extended the contracts of Jono Kitto, Greg Bateman, Mike Fitzgerald and Bren
don O’Connor this week, said: “George has become one of the leading players in his position in Europe and is still a young man with a lot of rugby ahead him.”
Burns, who was released by Bath as a teenager, broke through at West Country rivals Gloucester before joining Leicester in 2014.
The 26-year-old said: “The opportunity for me to represent my hometown club is one I have dreamt of from the day I started playing rugby.”
Tigers also confirmed that 25-year-old former Wales agegrade centre Jack Roberts would join Cardiff Blues on a long-term deal at the end of the season.
Bristol have pulled off a massive coup by securing the services of 25-year-old All Black flanker Steven Luatua, right.
The 15-cap New Zealander previously worked with incoming Bristol boss Pat Lam at the Blues in 2012.
Luatua said: “Bristol Rugby is one of the most ambitious clubs in the UK and that’s backed up by a really passionate fan base. I’ve heard great things about the environment that is being built there and the plans in place, so I can’t wait to get started in the summer.”
Bristol also confirmed the departures of attack coach
Dwayne Peel, who will join Ulster next season as an assistant coach, and second row Mark Sorenson who will retire at the end of the season.
Exeter have drafted in 30-year-old former Wales scrum-half
Martin Roberts from Bristol on loan to provide urgent cover for the injured trio of Will Chudley, Dave Lewis and Niko Matawalu.
Harlequins confirmed the signing of former London Welsh captain Ryan Hodson on a short-term deal with immediate effect, a move that was first announced by Jon Newcombe in The
Rugby Paper on December 18.
Saracens have signed hooker Tom
Lindsay from Gloucester on a short-term deal as injury cover.
London Irish have strengthened their back-row with the signing of Tongan international Tevita Koloamatangi until the end of the season.
Glasgow have signed 24-year-old Stormers loosehead Oliver
Kebble on a two-year deal while international centre Peter Horne has penned a new three-year deal to remain at Scotstoun.
The Warriors also announced that centre
Mark Bennett will join Edinburgh at the end of the season and Gordon Reid and Josh Strauss will definitely be leaving Glasgow, destinations as yet unknown.