Leicester bolster depleted hooker stocks with new Samoan signing

Samoan international hooker Richie Asiata has signed for Leicester Tigers with immediate effect, to help fill the gap left by Finn Theobold-Thomas’ retirement at the age of 23.

Asiata, 30, has significant experience of playing in Super Rugby, with the Queensland Reds as well as representing Northland and Tasman in the NPC.

The former Australia A and U20 international, who was born in New Zealand, was twice capped by Samoa in the Nations Cup in July and is in the squad again for the November Test window.

He made his debut off the bench against Georgia before earning his first Test start against Romania.

“Richie brings top level experience with over 50 Super Rugby caps to a position of need,” said Tigers head coach Geoff Parling, who is currently without regular first team hooker Charlie Clare due to injury.

“He’s hungry for the chance to prove himself  in the PREM, and we welcome him, Leilani and Lior to Tigers.”

With Tongan duo, fellow hooker Sam Moli and centre Solomone Kata, already on the books, there is a now small but growing enclave of Pacific Island players in the Mattioli Woods Welford Road changing room.

“I’m excited to have signed for Tigers. This is a new opportunity for me on this side of the world. I’ve played in Australia for a while, so it’s pretty exciting to try something new,” said Asiata.

“I spoke to James O’Connor, Ben Volavola and Izaia Perese, they told me about the history of Leicester. The fans are unreal, it’s pretty crazy at home games.

“I’m really happy to get involved, I can’t wait to get to know the boys, the fans and the culture.”