Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of France international centre Maxime Mermoz for the rest of the 2016/17 season.
Tigers agreed terms with the 30-year-old Mermoz after losing both Matt Toomua and Manu Tuilagi to long-term injury this season and have now received official clearance from the French Rugby Federation for his move to Welford Road.
Mermoz gained the first of 35 Test caps in 2008 and won league titles with Toulouse and Perpignan before moving to Toulon where he shared in their European Cup triumphs of 2013 and 2014 as well as securing another league winner's medal.
Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger said: “We have been looking for midfield cover for the last few weeks since the season-ending injury to Manu Tuilagi and previous injury to Matt Toomua. We’re very happy to be able to bring in a player of Maxime’s style, quality and experience to compete for a spot in the centres.
“Maxime is excited to test himself in a different competition and to earn his stripes for the Tigers by getting on to the pitch and showing what he can bring to the mix.”
Mermoz has previously played at Welford Road in the European Cup with both Perpignan and Toulon, scoring a solo try for Perpignan in a 38-27 defeat by Tigers during the 2008/09 season.
Tigers agreed terms with the 30-year-old Mermoz after losing both Matt Toomua and Manu Tuilagi to long-term injury this season and have now received official clearance from the French Rugby Federation for his move to Welford Road.
Mermoz gained the first of 35 Test caps in 2008 and won league titles with Toulouse and Perpignan before moving to Toulon where he shared in their European Cup triumphs of 2013 and 2014 as well as securing another league winner's medal.
Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger said: “We have been looking for midfield cover for the last few weeks since the season-ending injury to Manu Tuilagi and previous injury to Matt Toomua. We’re very happy to be able to bring in a player of Maxime’s style, quality and experience to compete for a spot in the centres.
“Maxime is excited to test himself in a different competition and to earn his stripes for the Tigers by getting on to the pitch and showing what he can bring to the mix.”
Mermoz has previously played at Welford Road in the European Cup with both Perpignan and Toulon, scoring a solo try for Perpignan in a 38-27 defeat by Tigers during the 2008/09 season.
