One-year deal Down Under for versatile back Worth

FORMER Leicester Tigers back George Worth has secured a one-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels.

The 24-year-old spent time on loan at the Super Rugby side earlier this year and played four of their final five matches of the year.

In August, Tigers announced Worth was being released early from his contract after an ‘opportunity came up’ for the versatile back, who played more than 60 times for the club.

Worth said: “I loved everything about my initial time with the Rebels, so being able to commit for a longer period of time is fantastic and I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season and improve as a player.”

Meanwhile, a member of the current Leicester Tigers squad looks set to head out on loan.

Dan Richardson, signed this summer from Jersey Reds, appeared for Coventry in the second-half of their 50-40 friendly defeat to Gloucester last weekend.

The Championship club recently lost its leading loosehead prop Luc Jeannot to an MCL knee injury.

Richardson is now set to spend a spell with the Butts Park Arena club, whose season kicks off against Doncaster Knights this weekend.

Coventry director of rugby Rowland Winter shared his appreciation with Tigers for assisting them in their hour of need.

“We’re just tidying up the paperwork for him to be for Dan to be with us, at least, for the next block of games, “said Winter.

“He will be involved on Saturday. We’re very appreciative of Leicester Tigers for their help. He’s had exposure in the Championship already so he will be a great fit for us”.

Tigers are well-stocked at loosehead with captain Ellis Genge, new signing Francois van Wyk, academy graduate James Whitcombe and the versatile talents of Samoan Nephi Leatigaga.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has already allowed three senior players to go out on season-long loans; Harry Simmons (Jersey Reds), Sam Aspland-Robinson (Coventry) and Jordan Olowofela (Dragons).