The 28-year-old, who has just returned from the Highlanders Super 14 fixtures in South Africa, has made three appearances for New Zealand as well as representing his country at Junior All Blacks and Sevens levels.
Comfortable on both flanks and at No8, Newby made his All Blacks debut against England at Eden Park in 2004 and has previously spent a short spell in England with Newcastle Falcons.
“I know a lot about the history of the club and its success and that’s one of the reasons I chose Leicester,” says Newby, who had also been linked with other Guinness Premiership sides. “I know about the traditions of the club and how passionate the supporters are in Leicester and I’m looking forward to trying to add to that.”
“To be honest, I haven’t seen very much of Leicester live or on TV. We don’t get much coverage of the English Premiership over in New Zealand but I’ve done a lot of internet work and I know a few people who’ve gone over to play there, like Seru and Aaron Mauger and so on.
“The way they run the club was very important to me. There’s a family nature to Tigers. I’ve got a young family and I’m looking to add to it, so that was one of the biggest things for me, to make sure that Sally, my wife, would be happy and that my daughter, Olivia, would have a chance to experience a good early childhood in a different country. It’ll be a change of lifestyle and we’re looking forward to experiencing a different culture.
“I think I’ll suit the English game. It’s quite a physical forward style with a lot of internationals in all the squads. I hate losing and I guess that’s one thing that I’ll bring is a will to win.”
Tigers head coach Marcelo Loffreda welcomed Newby’s signing, as he believes the Kiwi can play an important part for the club next season.
“He is an outstanding player in Super 14 rugby and he is a leader,” said Loffreda. “He is a versatile and talented player who can play across the back row. That is important to us as we look at competition for places in the squad in three tournaments during a long season.”
Meanwhile, Tigers scrum-half Frank Murphy will be returning to Ireland this summer, as he is set to join Connacht, and flanker Luke Abraham will make the switch to Sale Sharks.
"The club's been great to me," says Abraham. "I love everything this club is about. Leaving isn't just a rugby decision - I 've lived in Leicester all my life and it's a chance to experience something new.
"I'd love to come back to Welford Road and play against the boys and I'm sure they'd give me some stick. I've met some really good people and some really good coaches along the way and I'm really grateful for that."
