Tait was an extremely successful captain for the Blaze

Coventry won five trophies in Tait's time as captain but they have replaced him with the Great Britain captain.

"To lose Ashley was a huge blow but to come back with Jonathan shows our intention to remain the top club in Britain," said coach Paul Thompson.

Weaver, who was at the Vipers for four years, has signed a three-year deal.

Weaver has won the Alan Weeks trophy for the best British defenceman for the last two years, and scored 71 points last season.

"I had some great times at Newcastle but this is another stage of my career," he said.

"I can't wait to join my new team mates in Coventry and be part of a Blaze organisation that demands successful teams and winning trophies," he said.

The arrival of such a high-profile player will offset the loss of Tait, who will link up with his brother Warren at Sheffield.

"We've not only signed a superb forward who will score goals, we have signed a winner, a leader and a competitor," said Steelers coach David Matsos.

"He knows what it takes and the sacrifices you have to make."