Leicester Tigers have announced the first addition to their squad for next season after agreeing a contract with back-rower Thomas Waldrom.
The 26-year-old Waldrom is currently with Hawkes Bay and playing Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders in New Zealand, after previous spells with Wellington and the Hurricanes.
Crusaders Player of the Year in 2009, Waldrom has won representative honours with New Zealand Maori in the Churchill Cup and Pacific Nations Cup in recent seasons.
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Thomas has done a very good job with the Crusaders in a competitive environment in New Zealand.
“He will provide another option for us in the back row and we look forward to him joining the Tigers squad.”
Waldrom, who follows in the footsteps of Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger and Scott Hamilton who have all enjoyed spells with Crusaders before joining Leicester, said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Tigers after my commitments in the Rebel Sports Super 14 are over.
"While the results and trophy cabinet speak for themselves, everyone I have spoken to can't speak highly enough about the structures, coaching and facilities in Leicester.
“Knowing that people I trust viewed the club in that light made my decision so much easier.
“While I still have a massive job to do here in Christchurch, the whole family is looking forward to the challenges moving to Leicester will bring."
The 26-year-old Waldrom is currently with Hawkes Bay and playing Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders in New Zealand, after previous spells with Wellington and the Hurricanes.
Crusaders Player of the Year in 2009, Waldrom has won representative honours with New Zealand Maori in the Churchill Cup and Pacific Nations Cup in recent seasons.
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Thomas has done a very good job with the Crusaders in a competitive environment in New Zealand.
“He will provide another option for us in the back row and we look forward to him joining the Tigers squad.”
Waldrom, who follows in the footsteps of Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger and Scott Hamilton who have all enjoyed spells with Crusaders before joining Leicester, said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Tigers after my commitments in the Rebel Sports Super 14 are over.
"While the results and trophy cabinet speak for themselves, everyone I have spoken to can't speak highly enough about the structures, coaching and facilities in Leicester.
“Knowing that people I trust viewed the club in that light made my decision so much easier.
“While I still have a massive job to do here in Christchurch, the whole family is looking forward to the challenges moving to Leicester will bring."
