Leicester Tigers duo Sam Eveleigh and James Whitcombe have landed in Australia at the start of an exchange visit with Sydney University Football Club - based at the prestigious Sydney University in New South Wales and compete in the Shute Shield competition.

Eveleigh captained the Tigers academy team that won a second successive Under-18 League Final during 2018/19 while prop Whitcombe made his debut for England Under-18s during the campaign.

The Students, as they are affectionately known, boast an impressive record of having provided 105 Australia international representatives since 1899.

Well known alumni include 1991 World Cup winning Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones, Phil Waugh, Dan Vickerman and current internationals Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps. Sydney University was also the club of former Leicester Tigers Pat Howard and Peter Betham.

Eveleigh and Whitcombe will spend three months training and playing in Sydney before returning to join the Tigers development squad for the new campaign after graduating from the academy at the end of last season.

Tigers head of rugby operations Ged Glynn said: “We see this as an opportunity for young players to broaden their life experience abroad and also adapt to a different style of rugby.

“Both Sam and James enjoyed a big season with us and it will be interesting when we welcome them back to see how they develop from their trip this summer.”