Varndell to be a Tiger once again

Wing duo Tom Varndell and Leonardo Sarto have agreed a move to Leicester Tigers.

Former England international Varndell, Premiership Rugby’s all-time record tryscorer, returns to his first professional club, nine years after his last appearance.

Italy international Sarto has also arrived at Welford as the duo cover injuries in the squad with Adam Thompstone, Telusa Veainu, Matt Smith and Mathew Tait all currently sidelined.

Speaking about the additions, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “We’ve been running on bones for a lot of the season in the outside backs, so for two guys of Tom and Leonardo’s calibre pop up is great and a big positive for us to get them in.”

The 33-year-old Varndell last played for Tigers in the Premiership semi-final win over Bath in May 2009 and scored 65 tries in 113 appearances for the club. He is also Premiership Rugby’s record tryscorer with 92 in top-flight rugby.

Formerly with Zebre and Glasgow Warriors, the 26-year-old Sarto played for Zebre in the 2015/16 season before moving to Glasgow and scored nine tries in 18 appearances for the Scots including two in their Champions Cup win over Tigers at Scotstoun in October 2016. He gained his first international call-up with Italy in 2013 and has eight tries in 34 Test appearances.