Former Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri has impressed on a short-term contract with Premiership side Leicester © Getty Images

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News: Tuqiri set for Tigers farewell

Leicester winger Lote Tuqiri is set to leave the club after agreeing a three-year deal with Australian rugby league side Wests Tigers.

The 30-year-old dual code international joined the reigning Premiership champions in November on a short-term contract but he will quit Welford Road in March to return to the National Rugby League where he made his name.

"There was plenty of speculation about my next career move. I was really appreciative of the interest I received from a number of clubs which made my decision that much harder," said Tuqiri. "I enjoyed my time in rugby union immensely and have been very fortunate to have made many great friends through my time in the code.

"Leicester have been terrific to me and my family and we will never forget the warm hospitality they and their supporters have shown us. But the opportunity to play under the most experienced coach in the game in Tim Sheens was a major factor in my decision. Wests Tigers is a club with a great culture and a terrific roster of players. I am thrilled to be joining them.

Tuqiri was sacked by the Wallabies last year following an off-field breach of contract and so was forced to look overseas to continue his career. He was later linked with a move to France's Top 14 before agreeing a switch to Leicester who were only able to secure his services as the result of a special injury dispensation following the loss of fullback Geordan Murphy.

Leicester's head of operations Simon Cohen told the Leicester Mercury last month that the club faced an uphill battle tying Tuqiri to a longer deal under the restrictions of the English salary cap. "If that (injury) dispensation is not available for next year, it is going to be very difficult to find the money to keep him," he said.

The former Waratahs star, who has scored two tries in 12 appearances for the Tigers, joins other high-profile dual code internationals Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers in returning to the 13-man game after extended stints playing union.

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