'I have unfinished business': Elliott Stooke secures PREM return

Elliott Stooke says that he has ‘unfinished business’ in the Gallagher PREM after signing a deal to join Leicester Tigers next season, when his contract with Japan Rugby League One outfit Red Hurricanes runs out.

Lock Stooke, 32, who has played for Bath, Wasps and Gloucester as well as Montpellier in France, is the Tigers’ second new signing after they announced the signing of Wales back row Aaron Wainwright from the Dragons.

Stooke, who has played in all four of Red Hurricanes’ Division 2 defeats this season, will arrive at Welford Road as England lock George Martin, who has missed the entire current campaign through injury, departs for Saracens.

Stooke, who played 141 times for Bath, says that he was impressed with Geoff Parling’s plans to build a side to take the club back to the top of the PREM Rugby table.

“It feels amazing to have signed for Tigers. When you look at the PREM and the history of the league, the first club that always pops up is Leicester Tigers. To be joining such a historic, great club is a privilege and an honour. I’m delighted.”

“I feel as though I have unfinished business within the PREM. I want to get my hands on silverware, and to do that with Leicester Tigers would be a brilliant achievement. It’s something that the club is striving for.”

“Geoff Parling was brilliant in his conversations with me. He’s really positive, and he’s looking to build something fantastic at Leicester Tigers in the coming seasons,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Stookey, Charlotte and Oliver to Leicester from next season. He’s a big body who works hard, and from speaking to him, he is keen to improve and really test himself in the PREM again.”

“Everyone I spoke to highlighted what a great character he was to have in the changing room, so we look forward to him adding value to what we are trying to do here and see him run out in a Tigers shirt,” said Parling.