Tuqiri scored his two Leicester tries against Wasps

Leicester winger Lote Tuqiri has joined Australian National Rugby League side Wests Tigers on a three-year contract.

The dual-code international, 30, who joined Leicester on a short-term deal in November, had been tipped to return to Australia when the contract ended.

Tuqiri, who last played league in 2002 with the Broncos, said: "I will never forget Leicester's warm hospitality.

"But the opportunity to play under the most experienced coach in the game, Tim Sheens, at Wests was a major factor."

Fiji-born Tuqiri, who had his contract with the Australian Rugby Union cancelled in July following an off-field breach of contract, is likely to play at full-back for Wests Tigers.

He added: "There was plenty of speculation about my next career move.

"I enjoyed my time in rugby union immensely but Wests Tigers is a club with a great culture and a terrific roster of players. I am thrilled to be joining them."

606: DEBATE How did you rate Tuqiri as a player? BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener

Tuqiri made his Leicester debut in the impressive 22-17 victory over South Africa in November and went on to play 11 games for the Premiership side, scoring his only two tries in last month's 34-8 win over Wasps.

Tigers coach Richard Cockerill said: "Lote has been a great asset in his time here. We spoke about the possibility of extending his stay with us, but we appreciate that he is excited by the prospect of a return to Australia and to rugby league."

Tuqiri was capped by both Fiji and Australia in rugby league, before switching codes in 2002. He went on to score 31 tries in 67 Tests for Australia, including one in the 2003 world cup final defeat by England.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version