Goneva signs new Leicester deal

Centre Vereneki Goneva has spurned the advances of Castres and decided to stay with Aviva Premiership champions Leicester Tigers, signing a new contract.

The former Fijian international has scored 18 tries in 37 appearances since joining Leicester in 2012 and was named Premiership Player of the Month in February.

Having considered a contract offer from Top 14 side Castres, he has decided to remain in the East Midlands.

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Niki has become a very important player for us, he has been playing the best rugby of his career this season and we believe this environment will help him to be the best he can possibly be on the pitch.

"Leicester Tigers is a big club in English and European rugby, and we want to keep hold of our big players.

"I'm delighted that Niki has agreed to stay beyond the end of this season and it will be a very popular decision with the rest of the players and with our supporters."

Goneva added on the club's official website: "I'm very happy to stay with Leicester Tigers. The club, the players and the supporters have been very good to me since I came here."