Shane Jennings will join Leicester at the end of the season

The 23-year-old Dubliner has been prominent for the Irish province this season and played for Ireland A against France last month.

"We've done a lot of homework on Shane, as an individual and with Leinster," said new Tigers' coach Pat Howard.

"Shane's a different sort of player to Neil Back. He can break defensive lines, and he's only 23 years old."

The arrival of Jennings at the club will offset the loss of veteran open-side Back, who will join the coaching staff on a full-time basis from next season.

"It's important to have depth in our squad and the back row is one position where international call-ups and injuries can play a major role,'' Howard added.

Jennings came into his own this season when filling the void vacated by Ireland open-side Keith Gleeson, who broke his leg in pre-season training.

I'm aware that a lot of hard work lies ahead Shane Jennings

A former Ireland under-age star, Jennings said he was looking forward to the new challenge.

"I was delighted when my agent told me there was a chance that Leicester would be interested in me," said the St. Mary's College product.

"Leicester are one of the top clubs in Europe and I will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Neil Back, Lewis Moody and the current England captain Martin Corry on a permanent basis.

"I'd love to earn my stripes here, but first I have to win over the coaches, my new team-mates and the supporters at the club and prove to them that I deserve to be a Tigers player.

"I'm aware that a lot of hard work lies ahead, but I'm determined to be part of a successful club next season."