Second-row forward Richard Blaze will join Leicester Tigers in the summer from Worcester Warriors. The 21-year-old made his Premiership debut in the 2004/05 season and has gained England representative honours at U-18, U-19 and U-21 level since joining Worcester from Moseley.
Blaze had earlier been nominated for the North Midlands development squad and the RFU U-17 development squad.
Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: "With Leo Cullen due to leave at the end of the season, we have been looking to strengthen that area of the squad. Richard is probably one of the best young English locks around at the moment.
"He played in the second row alongside Tom Croft with England U-21s and he has the potential to be a very good player. He is being brought in to add strength to that department of the squad and also with one eye on the future."
The signing of Blaze follows the announcements that Tigers will also recruit centre Aaron Mauger, prop Boris Stankovich and centre Ayoola Erinle for next season.
Blaze had earlier been nominated for the North Midlands development squad and the RFU U-17 development squad.
Tigers forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: "With Leo Cullen due to leave at the end of the season, we have been looking to strengthen that area of the squad. Richard is probably one of the best young English locks around at the moment.
"He played in the second row alongside Tom Croft with England U-21s and he has the potential to be a very good player. He is being brought in to add strength to that department of the squad and also with one eye on the future."
The signing of Blaze follows the announcements that Tigers will also recruit centre Aaron Mauger, prop Boris Stankovich and centre Ayoola Erinle for next season.
Richard Blaze factfile
Date of Birth: April 19, 1985
Birthplace: Birmingham
Height: 2.01m/6ft 7in
Weight: 115kg/18st 0lb
