Tigers ‘win race’ to sign winger Watson

LEICESTER Tigers have reportedly “won the race” to sign England international Anthony Watson from Bath Rugby, writes Bobby Bridge.

The British and Irish Lions winger/full-back has signed a “short-term” deal that is expected to be officially announced next week, according to Telegraph Sport.

Rumours have been circulating about the 28-year-old’s future with his contract at The Rec set to end this summer.

Sale Sharks, London Irish and Wasps have all been linked with Watson, below.

Telegraph Sport reported: “For Watson, Leicester offer the perfect platform to showcase his credentials ahead of next year’s World Cup after missing England’s autumn international and Six Nations campaigns.”

In a recent poll of LeicestershireLive readers, 64 per cent believed Tigers should sign Watson, who is currently recovering from a serious knee injury sustained last October.

So far for next season, the Springboks’ World Cup-winning fly-half Handre Pollard is Tigers’ only confirmed signing, while veteran New Zealand back Jimmy Gopperth, 38, is expected to make the switch from Wasps at the end of the season. Leaving Tigers will be England internationals George Ford and Ellis Genge to Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears respectively.

During this season, Tigers have also parted company with Cyle Brink and Kobus van Wyk while Gareth Evans and, more recently, Tom Youngs, have retired.

Rumours have also linked Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo with a move to Australia at the end of the season, while 35-year-old Chris Ashton’s future is unclear beyond the end of his short-term deal.

But Joe Heyes, Nic Dolly, Calum Green, Hanro Liebenberg, Matt Scott, Guy Porter and Harry Potter have all agreed contract extensions.

Meanwhile, Tigers have reportedly secured their replacement for their skipper Genge.

The Irish Times is claiming Tigers are interested in securing the services of Biarritz’s James Cronin.

The 31-year-old former Munster prop made his Irish debut against Argentina in the second Test of the 2016 June tour, and earned the last of his three caps against France as a replacement in Paris in 2016.

He has been a consistent performer for Biarritz, making 13 appearances so far for the side that is 11 points adrift at the bottom of the Top 14.

The Irish Times reported their likely relegation could trigger a release clause in Cronin’s contract.