Lote Tuqiri has signed for Leicester, with his last appearance having been for West Harbour in Sydney's Shute Shield © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Lote Tuqiri

Tournaments/Tours: Guinness Premiership

Teams: Australia | England | Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of former Australia wing Lote Tuqiri. Tuqiri had his contract with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) terminated in July, leaving him as a free agent.

The reasons for Tuqiri's sacking remain undisclosed but the former Waratahs star is now back in the game following months of speculation. He was linked with a return to rugby league, where he made his name in Australia, and with French Top 14 side Bayonne, but has credited the success of Leicester as a big factor in his decision.

Tuqiri, 30, will also provide a major boost to Tigers boss Richard Cockerill, who is struggling to manage a big injury list. Club skipper Geordan Murphy remains on the sidelines, but the impending return of Alesana Tuilagi hints at a potent back-three coming together at Welford Road.

"I've played in England a number of times, in league and union, and I'm looking forward to getting to work at Leicester Tigers," said Tuqiri. "This is a successful club, and that is one of the main reasons for coming here. The club is always in the frame to win things and I still think I have a lot to achieve in rugby. I still have the ambition to play at the highest level and I still have the competitive edge.

"This is a new challenge, coming to a new league in a new country, and it is one I am really looking forward to. There are a lot of good players here and now I'm just looking forward to getting started."

Tuqiri made his international debut for the Wallabies against Ireland in 2003 and later that year scored a try against England in the Rugby World Cup final in Sydney. His try-scoring return of 30 tries from 67 caps puts him joint third, with Chris Latham and Joe Roff, on the all-time Australian list.

"To have someone of Lote's undoubted class available and interested in coming to Leicester is excellent news," said Tigers boss Richard Cockerill. "Lote has had interest from a lot of clubs around Europe, and the fact that he chose to come here says a lot about him. We're very happy he has chosen Leicester Tigers.

"He has been very successful at the top levels of the game and I'm sure our supporters are looking forward to seeing him in a Tigers shirt. He is a world-class player and is still hungry to achieve things in the game. Now we're looking forward to getting him into training and competing for a place in the team."