Super Rugby
Brendon O'Connor leaving Blues for Tigers
February 11, 2015
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Blues openside flanker Brendon O'Connor will head to English rugby club Leicester Tigers later this year.

O'Connor, 25, qualified to represent England through his grandmother, is one of three high-profile players nabbed by the Tigers, the club announced this week. The others are London Welsh's giant Tongan forward Opeti Fonua and former Bulls lock Mike Williams.

O'Connor, a former New Zealand Under-20 player and World Junior Championship winner, has played 25 games for the Blues and is part of this year's squad. He has also played one Super Rugby match for the Crusaders and captained Ranfurly Shield holders Hawke's Bay.

Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill said O'Connor was a classic Kiwi openside who was very highly regarded within New Zealand. "The back-five in the scrum is an area where we have been looking to build strength in depth, and I'm delighted that we can confirm three new signings for next season."

Leicester will be coached next season by former All Blacks star Aaron Mauger, who will join the side after completing the Super Rugby season as Crusaders assistant coach.

Other New Zealanders involved with Leicester include Crusaders Scott Hamilton and Brad Thorn.

© AAP

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