Leicester statement: The signing of Wallabies midfielder Izaia Perese

Leicester have confirmed the signing of Wallabies midfielder Izaia Perese, as exclusively revealed last Saturday would be the case by Fissler Confidential.

The weekly RugbyPass transfers column explained that Tigers boss Dan McKellar had moved to strengthen his squad for next season with the double signing of NSW Waratahs outside centre Perese and Wales loosehead Nicky Smith.

Both signings have now come to pass, the Gallagher Premiership club confirming the recruitment of Perese on Thursday morning, the day after Smith’s capture was confirmed.

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A statement read: “Leicester Tigers are excited to announce Australian international back Izaia Perese will join the club on a multi-year agreement ahead of the 2024/25 season. Born and raised in Brisbane, Perese, 26, broke through at the Queensland Reds, earning a call-up to the national team as a teenager.

“After stints with the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League and Bayonne in France, Perese joined the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season and quickly became one of the most exciting and devastating attackers in the competition. An international debut would come in 2022 and Perese then earned a spot in the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad late last year.”

Perese said: “My family and I are very excited to move to the UK and join Leicester Tigers. I am looking forward to embracing Leicester’s rugby culture and contributing to the club’s legacy. We can’t wait for the journey ahead and the chance to create lasting connections with the lads and the community.”

Leicester general manager Richard Wilks added: “We can’t wait to welcome Izaia and his young family to Leicester. We set out to add a player with pace and power and we certainly feel we have done that. He is a player that gets you out of your seat and I have no doubt our supporters will enjoy watching him play in a Tigers shirt.”

Leicester head coach McKellar said: “Izzy’s a real point of difference player with footwork, power, and the ability to beat defenders. He has always had immense talent, but he has added to that natural game with his defence, his effort areas. Having worked with him in the Wallabies environment, I know he is someone who will thrive playing at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.”