Leicester Tigers: Izaia Perese and Nicky Smith to sign for Gallagher Premiership side from next season

Internationals Izaia Perese and Nicky Smith will join Leicester Tigers from next season, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby side have announced.

Winger Perese will transfer from Sydney-based Waratahs, while loosehead prop Smith will leave United Rugby Championship side Ospreys.

Australia international Perese was in the national squad for the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup, and Smith has 47 caps with Wales.

Leicester are currently sixth in the table and host Gloucester on Friday in a repeat of last week's Premiership Rugby Cup final, with the match to be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"My family and I are very excited to move to the UK and join Leicester Tigers," Perese told the official website.

“I am looking forward to embracing Leicester’s rugby culture and contribute to the club's legacy.

“We can’t wait for the journey ahead and the chance to create lasting connections with the lads & the community.”

“I’m very excited to be joining Leicester Tigers next season,” Smith said.

“It’s a club which is filled with history and ambition. There have been many world-class players that have worn the famous Tigers jerseys and I’m honoured to get the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“I’m looking forward to be running out to the electric atmosphere at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.”

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