Tigers set to dump JP and four more
LEICESTER TIGERS are set to off-load up to five more players as Matt O’Connor continues to rebuild his Welford Road squad.
The Australian is looking to make a number of changes to bring in his own players ahead o next season.
The Tigers have already offloaded winger Peter Betham to French champions Clermont Auvergne just five months after he signed a new deal. Blindside understands that former Springbok winger JP Pietersen could become the next player out of the door. The World Cup winger, 30, joined the club at the start of last season and still has two more years left on his contract but is speaking to Toulon. Blindside also believes that former England internationals Tom Croft and Mathew Tait have been told they are surplus to requirements. Back rower Lachlan McCaffrey and scrum-half Jono Kitto are the other players we have been told are free to look elsewhere. O’Connor wants to bring in a full-back with Kiwi’s Marty McKenzie and his All Black brother Damien being mentioned.
Damien, who was dumped from the All Blacks squad to face the Lions, does have another year to left to run on his contract with the Chiefs.
Another All Black, centre Malakai Fekitoa, is out of contract at the end of the year and has been speaking to European clubs.
Fekitoa is believed to have rejected a £700,000 a year offer from Toulon but it would be a huge coup if they managed to persuade him to move to the club.
O’Connor is also looking for a No 8 and the name we are hearing is Amanaki Mafi who is currently playing for The Rebels in Australia.
The 27-year-old Tongan born Japan international left Bath following an altercation with a member of the club’s medical staff.
We have been told that Leicester are facing competition from Northampton Saints who are looking to replace Louis Picamoles.