Leicester Tigers can confirm USA international Joe Taufete'e has departed the club.

The hooker has joined Major League Rugby side Houston SaberCats after agreeing an early release from his contract with Tigers.

Taufete'e made five appearances for the club after arriving in Leicester ahead of the current campaign from LA Giltinis. 

Speaking about Taufete'e, Leicester Tigers Interim Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: "An opportunity for Joe came up which allowed him to return to America and put his hand up for selection for the national side and we weren't going to stand in the way of that."

"He joined us a couple of weeks out from the start of this season for the year and has been a great member of the squad, who everybody has enjoyed having around Leicester Tigers.

"Joe's been a brilliant contributor to Leicester Tigers and on behalf of everybody, I wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter back in America."

Taufete'e has joined Houston SaberCats effective immediately.