Aviva Premiership
Tigers complete Tait signing
ESPNscrum Staff
July 14, 2011
Sale's Mathew Tait exploits a gap, Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks, Aviva Premiership, Sandy Park, Exeter, England, November 27, 2010
England international Mathew Tait will line up for Leicester Tigers this season © Getty Images
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Leicester have confirmed the signing of England international Mathew Tait.

The 25-year-old centre, who won the last of his 38 Test caps against Australia in 2010, has long been linked with a move to Welford Road and makes the switch from Sale having been released by the Sharks following an injury-hit spell in the north west.

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill, who also swooped for Australian flanker Julian Salvi earlier this week, is confident Tait has much to offer the club. "We think Mathew is an excellent addition to the squad," he said. "He has gained a lot of experience for a player who is still just 25 years old and he has played at the highest level, including the World Cup Final in 2007. But he is still young, he is still ambitious and he wants to challenge himself here."

Tait, who made his senior debut for Newcastle Falcons in 2004 and gained his first England cap as an 18-year-old during the 2005 Six Nations, is looking forward to a new challenge after a frustrating time with Sale during which he suffered a knee injury and a dislocated shoulder.

"The move to Leicester Tigers gives me a great opportunity to continue my development as a player and I know there is still a lot to come in my career," said Tait, who can also play at wing and fullback.

"I've enjoyed some great times in the game already and I still have ambitions and goals to achieve in rugby. There is a superb set-up at Leicester and a very competitive squad. I'm looking forward to trying to establish myself in the team here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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