Prop Michael Holford will leave his home-town Leicester Tigers to sign for London Wasps in time for the start of next season.
Wasps made the announcement this afternoon, signing Holford on a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old former Oakham School pupil made his Tigers first-team debut in October 2003 and has played 52 games for the club, including 27 starts. He has represented England at U-19 and U-21 level, as well as captaining England U-21 A.
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "We are sad to see a local lad head off to another club, but we completely understand his decision with the amount of competition here and his search for more games.
"Holfs has been a fantastic member of Leicester Tigers for six or seven years and he had an outstanding game in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final just two weeks ago. We wish him all the best with his future rugby career."
Holford becomes the third forward to confirm his departure from Welford Road next season, following the decision of Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings to return to Leinster.
Holford said: "I'm very much looking forward playing at such an illustrious club as London Wasps and to the fresh challenges of the move. Working with all the Wasps coaches and players, but particularly former All Black prop Craig Dowd as forwards coach, is very exciting prospect, and I can't wait to get started."
London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan added: "We are delighted to be signing a quality prop with a lot of potential, who can play on both sides of the scrum. I'm looking forward to working with him, helping him to fit into our system at Wasps and working with him to ensure he fulfils his potential while he is with us."
Wasps made the announcement this afternoon, signing Holford on a two-year contract.
The 24-year-old former Oakham School pupil made his Tigers first-team debut in October 2003 and has played 52 games for the club, including 27 starts. He has represented England at U-19 and U-21 level, as well as captaining England U-21 A.
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "We are sad to see a local lad head off to another club, but we completely understand his decision with the amount of competition here and his search for more games.
"Holfs has been a fantastic member of Leicester Tigers for six or seven years and he had an outstanding game in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final just two weeks ago. We wish him all the best with his future rugby career."
Holford becomes the third forward to confirm his departure from Welford Road next season, following the decision of Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings to return to Leinster.
Holford said: "I'm very much looking forward playing at such an illustrious club as London Wasps and to the fresh challenges of the move. Working with all the Wasps coaches and players, but particularly former All Black prop Craig Dowd as forwards coach, is very exciting prospect, and I can't wait to get started."
London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan added: "We are delighted to be signing a quality prop with a lot of potential, who can play on both sides of the scrum. I'm looking forward to working with him, helping him to fit into our system at Wasps and working with him to ensure he fulfils his potential while he is with us."
