Leicester Tigers confirm six new signings including three Handre Pollard replacements
James O'Connor and an inset of Handre Pollard.
Leicester Tigers have confirmed six new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season, including former Wallabies fly-half James O’Connor.
The Premiership finalists confirmed 14 departees following the conclusion of the season, which included the likes of Argentine Julian Montoya, Springbok Handre Pollard, playmaker Jamie Shillcock, and Josh Bassett.
Club legends Ben Youngs and Dan Cole also announced their retirements as did former England full-back Mike Brown.
New Leicester signings
To compensate for the departures, Leicester have announced a plethora of new additions, bolstering new head coach Geoff Parling’s options.
The long-rumoured signing of O’Connor has been confirmed, with the ex-Wallabies playmaker joining the club after winning Super Rugby Pacific with the Crusaders.
“Leicester are well known down under as the team in England; rich in history and team culture,” O’Connor said.
“Geoff called me a few weeks ago when I was deciding on my future and it just felt right. I’ve played under Geoff, in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and I feel we see the game through a similar lens.
“As for the playing element, I’m just bloody excited to take the field and help in any way I can. Tigers are a quality side, what more proof do you need than this year’s Final? I have been watching intensely from afar and am very excited to slot in and help the team grow in any way possible.
“For me coming in, it’s not so much about what I’ll be doing, more so how can I be the most useful team man to help us go one better. Whether that’s on the training pitch, creating game plans off it or if I’m given the keys to steer the ship. Whatever my role lands on, I’m just excited for the new experience!”
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Orlando Bailey and Billy Searle will add further depth in the fly-half role, the former joining from Premiership rivals Bath and the latter from Agen.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Hamer-Webb will join the Tigers on the back of an impressive 24/25 campaign for Cardiff which included 12 tries in all competitions.
Counties Manukau forward James Thompson has also signed for Leicester as has 23-year-old Bath hooker John Stewart.
Discussing the return to the Premiership, O’Connor added: “I feel like it’s a full circle moment. I’ve been honing my craft for the last six years as a fly-half and have picked up a lot of new knowledge, not only in Australia but also this year with the Crusaders.”
“So, now I’m at a place where I want to test myself, step up and deliver on the big stage. I’ve played for two teams in the Premiership, but I never felt I played my best footy, due to injury, life choices and just where I was at as a man. So, this move is to rectify this.”
Leicester Tigers signings ahead of the 2025/26 season
Tarek Haffar (Northampton Saints)
Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons)
John Stewart (Bath)
James Thompson (Counties Manukau)
Joaquin Moro (Pampas XV)
James O’Connor (Crusaders)
Billy Searle (Agen)
Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Cardiff)
Orland Bailey (Bath)
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