Leicester Tigers have confirmed that Lote Tuqiri will return to Australia following the Guinness Premiership match against London Irish at Welford Road this Saturday.
The Australia international winger arrived in England during October and made his Tigers debut in the historic win over world champions South Africa on November 6. He has made 13 appearances for the club, scoring three tries.
Earlier this month, Tuqiri signed a contract to return to Australia with Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League.
Tuqiri, 30, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Leicester. They'/ve been very good to me and the guys have been excellent in accepting me here and helping me to settle in England.
“Leicester Tigers and the supporters have been terrific to me and my family. We wish the club every success in the future.”
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Lote has been a true professional in every sense in his time with the club. He has a great work ethic within the team and I know he has enjoyed his time here. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Tuqiri earned rugby league honours with Fiji and Australia before switching codes in 2002. He then scored 31 tries in 67 Tests for Australia, including one in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against England.
Wests chief executive Stephen Humphreys said: “Lote will return home to Australia with his family after Leicester’s match against London Irish.
“I greatly appreciate Leicester’s co-operation in making it possible.”
Tickets for Saturday's fixture between Leicester Tigers and London Irish this Saturday (5.35pm kick-off) are available now. Phone the Tigers ticket hotline on 0844 856 1880, book online or call in at Welford Road. The ticket office is open 8.30am-5.00pm Monday-Friday, with late opening hours until 8.00pm on Wednesday.
The Australia international winger arrived in England during October and made his Tigers debut in the historic win over world champions South Africa on November 6. He has made 13 appearances for the club, scoring three tries.
Earlier this month, Tuqiri signed a contract to return to Australia with Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League.
Tuqiri, 30, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Leicester. They'/ve been very good to me and the guys have been excellent in accepting me here and helping me to settle in England.
“Leicester Tigers and the supporters have been terrific to me and my family. We wish the club every success in the future.”
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Lote has been a true professional in every sense in his time with the club. He has a great work ethic within the team and I know he has enjoyed his time here. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Tuqiri earned rugby league honours with Fiji and Australia before switching codes in 2002. He then scored 31 tries in 67 Tests for Australia, including one in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against England.
Wests chief executive Stephen Humphreys said: “Lote will return home to Australia with his family after Leicester’s match against London Irish.
“I greatly appreciate Leicester’s co-operation in making it possible.”
Tickets for Saturday's fixture between Leicester Tigers and London Irish this Saturday (5.35pm kick-off) are available now. Phone the Tigers ticket hotline on 0844 856 1880, book online or call in at Welford Road. The ticket office is open 8.30am-5.00pm Monday-Friday, with late opening hours until 8.00pm on Wednesday.
