Leicester Tigers' Bryce Hegarty to join Western Force ahead of 2023 Super Rugby season

Leicester Tigers have announced that fullback Bryce Hegarty will leave the club midway through the 2022/23 season.

Hegarty has been part of the Leicester set up since 2021 and has played 15 times for them scoring 63 points.

The 29-year-old will head back to Australia where he will represent Western Force in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign after reaching an agreement with the Tigers.

He said the decision to switch to Western Force will put him in contention for the World Cup squad selection.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Tigers so far and am grateful for the opportunity I have had to represent such a prestigious club," he told Leicester's official website.

"I am really excited for the season ahead and bringing the best of me to the club for the remaining time I’ll be at the club. I feel extremely motivated to leave on a good note.

"The opportunity to head back to Australia was a tough decision to make.

"However, I felt the opportunity to put myself in the best position possible to be a part of the World Cup squad for Australia was too hard to let pass by. I am very grateful to Steve and the club for allowing me this opportunity."

Hegarty started his career with Melbourne Rebels in 2013 and had represented Toyota Jido Shokki, New South Wales Waratahs, Northern Suburbs, Sydney Rays, Black Rams Tokyo, Queensland Reds and Brisbane City in the past.

"In a short time, Bryce has made a big impact at Leicester Tigers and I am grateful for having had the chance to work with him," said Leicester head coach Steve Borthwick.

"I am sure I speak for all of our supporters, as well as everybody at the club, when I say thank you to Bryce for what he has given to Tigers on and off the pitch during his time so far in Leicester.

"His contribution to what we are building and the experience he has been able to offer has been a great contributing factor to the progress we have made."