South Africa
Leicester sign Springboks star JP Pietersen
ESPN Staff
January 11, 2016
© Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Leicester Tigers have pulled off a significant transfer coup with the signing of Springboks winger JP Pietersen.

He will link up with the club ahead of the 2016-17 season and will bring a wealth of experience to the Tigers. He won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa in 2007 and has 66 caps for the Springboks to his name.

Pietersen is currently playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights and Tigers boss Richard Cockerill is looking forward to his arrival.

"We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class," Cockerill said. "He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long time but he still has a lot to offer and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe.

"JP is a world-class finisher and offers a threat in the wide channels. We have a strong group of players in the backline already here and with JP and Matt Toomua coming in for next season we are adding to that strength."

Pietersen added: "I'm really looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester Tigers and competing for silverware in the Premiership and European Champions Cup.

"I have spent the majority of my career in South Africa and the past few years in Japan and I feel that it's a perfect time to experience something new.

"I hope to contribute to the team on and off the field in any way I can. I'm looking forward to joining the Tigers after my final Super Rugby season with the Sharks."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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