Leicester Tigers statement: Bryce Hegarty

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that Bryce Hegarty will leave Welford Road halfway through the 2022/23 season in order to take up a Super Rugby opportunity.

Hegarty will join Australian Super Rugby side the Western Force ahead of their 2023 campaign.

The utility back who can play both flyhalf and fullback has made 15 appearances for Leicester Tigers to date. His is the second mid-season departure announced by the club after it was confirmed that Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo will also leave the side mid-season in order to join the Waratahs.

Springbok superstar Handre Pollard is joining the club at the end of the Rugby Championship, while former England flyhalf Freddie Burns has cemented his role as an experienced back-up at 10, so Leicester at well stocked in the position.

A statement from the club reads: “Hegarty’s departure comes after mutual agreement between the player and club for an early release of his contract with Leicester Tigers.

“The 29-year-old has made 15 appearances for Leicester Tigers since his debut in October 2021 and scored 63 points, playing at fly-half and full-back.”

Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said of Hegarty: “In a short time, Bryce has made a big impact at Leicester Tigers and I am grateful for having had the chance to work with him.”

“I am sure I speak for all of our supporters, as well as everybody at the club, when I say thank you to Bryce for what he has given to Tigers on and off the pitch during his time so far in Leicester.

“His contribution to what we are building and the experience he has been able to offer has been a great contributing factor to the progress we have made.

“We have plenty of games between now and when Bryce will depart, of which he is committed to playing a big part in and continuing to contribute to Leicester Tigers in the professional and positive way he has since arriving.”

The player himself added: “I am really excited for the season ahead and bringing the best of me to the club for the remaining time I’ll be at the club. I feel extremely motivated to leave on a good note.

“The opportunity to head back to Australia was a tough decision to make. However, I felt the opportunity to put myself in the best position possible to be a part of the World Cup squad for Australia was too hard to let pass by. I am very grateful to Steve and the club for allowing me this opportunity.”