Leinster's Leo Cullen has signed for Leicester Tigers

Cullen, who has played 15 Tests for Ireland and captained Leinster in the past, brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership.

"When a club like Leicester makes you an offer, I feel it's something you cannot ignore," said the 27-year-old.

"I have had seven happy years at Leinster. Until I was contacted by Leicester Tigers last week, I had not given any serious thought of leaving."

The Dubliner, who made his Test debut against the All Blacks in 2002, has led Leinster on numerous occasions, having made 81 appearances for the Irish province.

Leicester have a squad that every player would love to be part of Leo Cullen

That experience convinced Tigers coach Pat Howard that he was the man to do a job.

"He brings second-row experience and plenty of captaincy experience, which will be important with the Lions guys away at the start of the season," said Howard who takes over the reins next season.

He last played for Ireland at the end of 2004 when he had to undergo shoulder surgery.

He subsequently found himself on the fringes of the Ireland squad during the 2005 Six Nations but is now looking forward to his new role in England.

"Leicester have won the Heineken Cup twice in recent seasons and they have a squad that every player would love to be part of," said Cullen.

"Having played against them in the Heineken Cup quarter-final in April, I have seen at first hand just how good they are."