South African centre agrees Leicester switch
Munster 's Jaco Taute celebrates scoring a try during the European Champions Cup, Pool One match at Thomond Park, Limerick.
Leicester Tigers have agreed contract terms with South Africa international centre Jaco Taute, who will arrive from Munster in time for the start of the 2019/20 season.
The 28-year-old played Super Rugby with the Lions and Stormers before moving to Munster, initially on a short-term contract in 2016.
Taute scored two tries in a win over Tigers in the Champions Cup during December 2016 and was named in the PRO14 Dream Team at the end of that season.
Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “We’ve obviously seen Jaco close-up in European competition and he is a big, physical unit in the backline with extensive experience in the southern hemisphere and also at the top-end of European rugby.
“He is an option at centre or at full-back for us and we look forward to welcoming him in the pre-season period.”
Taute said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of the Premiership and excited to be joining a club like Leicester Tigers.
“Leicester has a rich history and I want to contribute to creating even more memories for the fans at Welford Road. I am excited about working alongside the quality players in the squad and under Geordan Murphy and his coaching team.”
Meanwhile, former academy graduate Calum Green has agreed to rejoin the club from Newcastle Falcons.
The 28-year-old has been among Premiership Rugby’s leading locks in recent seasons with the Falcons, particularly in his work at the set-piece.
Originally from Norwich, Green came through the Tigers’ academy, leading the team as captain in his final year before moving into senior rugby and made his senior debut for the club at the end of the 2008/09 season as a teenager.
After a spell with Yorkshire Carnegie, he joined Newcastle in 2014 and has made more than 100 first-team appearances for the Falcons.
Green said: “Leicester is where my career started and to have the opportunity to return was too good an opportunity to let go by.
“I know a lot of the players in the squad, coaches and staff and am excited to get back to Welford Road and be called a Tiger once again.
“Geordie is so passionate about the club and I’m looking forward to working under him and alongside the playing group in getting Tigers back to the top.”