Morris has struggled since the last Lions tour

The Tigers confirmed their second signing in 24 hours after the recruitment of Rotherham fly-half Ramiro Pez on Monday.

Having seen Frenchman Franck Tournaire return home, Perry Freshwater sign for Perpignan and Darren Garforth on the verge of retirement, director of rugby Dean Richards was in desperate need of propping cover.

"Even before we knew that Perry and Franck were leaving us, I knew that Darren would be a key signing for us this summer," Richard said.

"He has a great scrummaging game, can play loose-head or tight-head and is more than comfortable with the ball in hand."

The move gives Morris a chance to rekindle a career that has stalled since he toured with the Lions to Australia in 2001.

My aspirations are still very, very high Darren Morris

The 28-year-old has struggled with both form and fitness, and has not played for Wales since the last of his 15 caps in November 2001.

But with Graham Rowntree likely to be in England's World Cup squad, he should have an early chance to establish himself at Welford Road.

"From the moment I first spoke to Dean I felt very positive about joining the club," Morris said. "This move is just what I need - a fresh start and a new challenge."

Morris has been training with Colin Charvis for the past two months after Swansea's financial problems forced the club to release several players.

But he is already targeting a return to Welsh colours, and beyond that, another Lions tour in 2005.

"I have no regrets about leaving Wales," he added. "It can be a bit of a fish bowl at times and to break that circle is a good thing.

"My aspirations are still very, very high. Obviously I would like to get back in the Welsh team again and I am targeting the Lions tour in two years time."

Tigers facing Cup struggle

Meanwhile, Leicester hope to be able to recall England trio Neil Back, Martin Corry and Tim Stimpson for the first leg of their Zurich Wildcard play-off at Harlequins on Wednesday.

All three missed the Tigers defeat to Gloucester last Saturday, which ensured they missed out on automatic Heineken Cup qualification.