Tuohy relishing his stint with Leicester

ON-LOAN Leicester lock Dan Tuohy says he has an open mind over his future after joining the Premiership giants from hometown outfit Bristol.

Tuohy, capped 11 times by Ireland during a previous seven-year spell at Ulster, returned home last December in a failed bid to help Bristol escape relegation but is now relishing the chance to make an impact with Tigers.

The 32-year-old enforcer told TRP: “I’ve come to Leicester with Pat Lam’s blessing and it’s a great opportunity to play topflight rugby.

“I’m still signed to Bristol until 2018, with the possibility of extending that, but I’m open-minded about what will happen after.

“It’s a three-month loan initially and if that ends I’ll go back to Bristol, but ideally I’d like to make a big impression at Leicester.

“It’s a phenomenal club but you have to be flexible and if it means going back to Bristol to help win promotion, that’s what will happen.

“For me, it’s just important to stay fit and play – and it doesn’t get any bigger right now than playing for Tigers in the Champions Cup.”

No-nonsense Tuohy has come a long way since helping Exeter lay the foundations for their success during their Championship years.

The Ulster team he played in from 2009 revitalised rugby in Belfast and he was a member of their Champions Cup final side in 2012.

“Losing that final 42-14 to Leinster hurt, but I scored our try and was fortunate to be part of a very good Ulster team,” Tuohy said.

“I can bring my experience to Leicester now and there’s good second row competition here with Dom Barrow, Harry Wells and Graham Kitchener pressing for places and Mike Fitzgerald on the way back from rehabbing his injury.

“The timing’s worked out well for me and even though it’s meant leaving my partner and child in Portishead, it’s a sacrifice we have to make. I know I’m at the autumnal stage of my career but I still have a lot to offer at this level.”