Leicester impressed by O’Connor

Editor

Leicester Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger has expressed his excitement over new signing Brendon O'Connor ahead of the new season.

O'Connor has joined the Premiership club from Super Rugby outfit the Blues after an impressive year.

The 25-year-old is still in New Zealand playing in the ITM Cup with Hawke's Bay, meaning he won't arrive at Welford Road until October, but that hasn't stopped Mauger praising Leicester's new signing.

"Brendon is English-qualified, has been playing openside all year and has been outstanding there. He will add a lot to our attack and can play in midfield, too," Mauger told the Leicester Mercury.

"He is a ball-carrying seven who is quick and good across the grass, and creates opportunities for those around him.

"He is good over the ball and good defensively, he is the complete package.

"Between him and Lachlan McCaffrey (new signing from London Welsh), there will be a good battle there."

Leicester have also signed winger Peter Betham from the Waratahs and second row Mike Fitzgerald from the Chiefs.