Lote Tuqiri has confirmed that he is to return to Australia to play for Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League competition at the end of his spell with Leicester Tigers.
Fiji-born Tuqiri, 30, arrived in Leicester at the end of October and made his debut for Tigers in the historic victory over world champions South Africa at Welford Road on November 6. He has now totalled 11 first-team appearances, scoring two tries in the bonus-point win over London Wasps in the Guinness Premiership at New Year.
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Lote has been a great asset in his time here. He has been very professional in everything he does and he has become a valued member of the squad in a very short period of time.
“I think he probably surprised himself in how much he has enjoyed his time with us and how quickly he and his family were able to settle into the Leicester area.
“We spoke to Lote about the possibility of extending his stay with us, but we appreciate that he is excited by the prospect of a return to Australia and to rugby league, and he and his family will go with our best wishes for the future.”
Originally a rugby league star with Brisbane Broncos, Tuqiri was capped by Fiji and Australia in the 13-man game before switching codes in 2002. He played Super 12/14 rugby with the Waratahs in New South Wales.
In rugby union, Tuqiri scored 31 tries in 67 Tests for Australia, including one in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against England.
Tuqiri said: “There was plenty of speculation about my next career move. I was really appreciative of the interest I received from a number of clubs which made my decision that much harder.
"I have enjoyed my time in rugby union immensely and have been very fortunate to have made many great friends through my time in the code.
“The Leicester Tigers have been terrific to me and my family, and we will never forget the warm hospitality they and their supporters have shown us.”
Fiji-born Tuqiri, 30, arrived in Leicester at the end of October and made his debut for Tigers in the historic victory over world champions South Africa at Welford Road on November 6. He has now totalled 11 first-team appearances, scoring two tries in the bonus-point win over London Wasps in the Guinness Premiership at New Year.
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Lote has been a great asset in his time here. He has been very professional in everything he does and he has become a valued member of the squad in a very short period of time.
“I think he probably surprised himself in how much he has enjoyed his time with us and how quickly he and his family were able to settle into the Leicester area.
“We spoke to Lote about the possibility of extending his stay with us, but we appreciate that he is excited by the prospect of a return to Australia and to rugby league, and he and his family will go with our best wishes for the future.”
Originally a rugby league star with Brisbane Broncos, Tuqiri was capped by Fiji and Australia in the 13-man game before switching codes in 2002. He played Super 12/14 rugby with the Waratahs in New South Wales.
In rugby union, Tuqiri scored 31 tries in 67 Tests for Australia, including one in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against England.
Tuqiri said: “There was plenty of speculation about my next career move. I was really appreciative of the interest I received from a number of clubs which made my decision that much harder.
"I have enjoyed my time in rugby union immensely and have been very fortunate to have made many great friends through my time in the code.
“The Leicester Tigers have been terrific to me and my family, and we will never forget the warm hospitality they and their supporters have shown us.”
