Leicester Tigers sign Wallabies scrum-half as four new arrivals confirmed

Leicester Tigers have signed back-row Matt Rogerson and scrum-half Joe Powell from London Irish after the club went into administration.

The duo were made free agents last month following the suspension of the Exiles, but have fortunately found a new club outfit ahead of next season.

Leicester Tigers have also signed fly-half Kieran Wilkinson from Sale and flanker Mike Williams, who rejoins Tigers after stints at Bath and Exeter.

Rogerson deal pleases boss

Hard-working back-row Rogerson played more than 100 games for London Irish and was club captain during the last two campaigns in the Premiership.

“He is a tried and tested player in the Premiership and adds important depth and competition to our back-row ranks,” said head coach Dan McKellar.

“You don’t play a century of games in this league without a certain level of toughness and commitment, as well as plenty of talent, and Matt has shown that over a number of years now.

“His class and character has shone through in recent times, when captain of London Irish, to lead his playing group through such a tumultuous period, and it is that type of person we want representing Leicester Tigers.”

Brumbies link to Powell

Four-cap Wallabies scrum-half Powell is also a solid acquisition for Leicester, with the player well-known to McKellar from his time at the Brumbies.

“I have spoken openly about the type of players we want at Tigers, the type of character I want in the group, and a young man of Joe’s qualities on and off the pitch fits well and truly within that,” added the coach.

“It is no secret we are likely to be without Jack (van Poortvliet) and Ben (Youngs) during the World Cup, so we are certainly in need of depth at scrum-half.”

23-year-old fly-half Wilkinson has arrived from Sale Sharks and made 22 appearances for the club in all competitions since his senior debut in 2018.

Boosts fly-half stocks

“It is great to be able to confirm Kieran’s signing with the club from next season, which will see him boost our fly-half ranks alongside Charlie Atkinson and Handrè Pollard,” said McKellar.

“While still very much a young man, Kieran has already got a great amount of senior experience in the English game and is a player with potential.

“We are confident that he will be able to take his game to the next level as part of Leicester Tigers and looking forward to helping him continue to develop his game.”

READ MORE: Harlequins move the ‘best decision’ Andre Esterhuizen has made