Tigers agree move for Australia wing Betham

Leicester Tigers are delighted to confirm that Australia international wing/full-back Peter Betham has agreed a move to Welford Road.The 26-year-old is currently playing Super Rugby with defending champions the Waratahs and on Saturday he scored two tries in Wellington as they became the first team to defeat the Hurricanes this season.   Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Betham was brought up in Sydney and had spells with the Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels as well as in New South Wales with the Waratahs.   He made his Wallabies debut in a Bledisloe Cup fixture against the All Blacks in 2013.   Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “We have been looking to add to our strength in the back-three positions for next season and Peter is certainly able to do that.   “He is a big man at six feet four inches, a powerful runner with good pace, and he has been playing some good rugby for the Waratahs as well as reaching Test status with Australia.   “He’ll join us at the end of the Super Rugby season and we look forward to seeing him settle here ahead of the new campaign.”   Betham represented Australia at Schools and Under-19 level before gaining an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship and progressing to the professional game.   Announcing his decision to move to Welford Road, he said: “I’m looking forward to joining Leicester Tigers at the end of my commitments in Australia.  It was a decision that I did not take lightly, having thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Waratahs and its success in recent years.     “The opportunity to join a prestigious club such as the Tigers is very exciting and humbling. The Premiership is a great competition which will help develop me as a player while I endeavour to add and contribute to the Leicester Tigers team and community.”