Malouf jets in to feed Tigers need for speed

AUSSIE Sevens specialist Nick Malouf has vowed to pose a wing threat to England’s Jonny May as the converted flanker bids to break into Leicester’s allstar backline.

Malouf, 24, has never played professional club rugby before but was an Australia Sevens regular for the last four years, competing at the 2016 Olympics, before being handpicked by Tigers boss Matt O’Connor over the summer.

Malouf, left, said: “I’m under no illusions about the challenge, but Matt was looking for guys with pace and despite the competition from Jonny, Adam Thompstone, Tom Brady and Telusa Veainu, I’d be mad not to give this a go.

“I’d been looking to get back into 15s and although I didn’t know Matt beforehand, he came in at just the right time and it was an easy decision to make.

“It’s a great backline and Jonny’s arrival has only added to that.

“To be training with guys like Jonny, Matt Toomua, George Ford and Manu Tuilagi has been a bit surreal, but I’ve settled in well and it was fantastic to get out there against the Ospreys last week.”

Malouf is playing catchup after four years out of the 15-man game, but hopes his previous experience as a flanker will hold him in good stead.

“Flanker’s where I played at school and I spent time at centre too, so I know a bit about hunting the ball, tackling and work around the breakdown,” he said.

“Those all-round skills should help, but right now it’s about settling into the back three – something I haven’t done a lot of – and asking a lot of questions.

“I’m learning about positioning in the backfield, which has been the hardest part, but pre-season has gone well and I’m determined to make an impact.”