Nephi Leatigaga leaves Leicester Tigers for Waratahs

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the departure of Nephi Leatigaga with immediate effect.

The Samoan international has been granted an early release by the Tigers and now will join Waratahs as a injury cover for Australia prop Angus Bell.

He has been part of Leicester since 2019 and has made 77 appearances for the club. He was also part of the Leicester squad that went on to win the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership final against Saracens.

“Nephi has been a key part of the club’s forward pack for four seasons and played a big role in what has been a busy, change-full period for Leicester Tigers," said Wigglesworth to the club's official website.

“I always enjoyed running out alongside him as a player and have equally enjoyed coaching him in recent seasons.

“He has been a regular feature in Leicester Tigers sides since joining the club, playing almost 20 games a season up front in the pack on both sides of the front-row.

“When the opportunity for him and his family to be closer to home came up, we felt it was right to provide them that chance and grant the early release."

Leicester are positioned third in the Gallagher Premiership table with 11 wins from 19 matches.