Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Australian loose-forward Sam Carter, ahead of the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season. Carter arrives at Welford Road from Ulster, with the versatile forward able to slot in the locks or across the back-row.
Carter made his Super Rugby debut in 2011, after signing his first senior contract with the Brumbies. The versatile forward went on to make over 120 caps for the Canberra side, in a stint over nine seasons.
Carter possesses valuable leadership qualities, and led the Brumbies from the front as captain in two seasons. The 33-year-old made his Wallabies debut in 2014, following in the footsteps of his father, David Carter. Sam then went on to make 16 caps for his country until 2017.
He joined up with Ulster ahead of the 2019/20 season, and made 58 appearances for the Belfast club. Again Carter showcased his leadership attributes, as he was named captain of the side.
Carter was also named in the Barbarians side, who took on the New Zealand XV and Czech Republic in 2017.
Incoming Leicester Tigers Head Coach Dan McKellar said to the official Leicester Tigers club website: “Sam is a great addition to our forward pack from next season and a player who has a wealth of experience in the game in both the southern and northern hemisphere, as well as having played Test rugby.”
“He is an outstanding line out caller, who enjoys the hard work and his signing provides us with strong depth in the second row.
“In addition to what Sam gives us on the field, his leadership and character as a person are also huge positives to be bringing into our group, which I am pleased about.”
Discussing the move the Leicester Tigers, Carter said: “Leicester Tigers is a big club, one of the biggest in the game with such a proud history. It’s very exciting to be joining a club of this magnitude.”
“I made the move to Ulster to test myself in the big games and arena that European rugby provides and know that it will be just as big and exciting a challenge to be able to do that with Leicester Tigers from next season.”
“I am excited to link back up with Dan [McKellar] after a few years together in the Brumbies and, after speaking with him, looking forward to being a part of what he is looking to build at the club.”
Carter is the seventh confirmed signing for Dan McKellar’s Leicester Tigers squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign alongside Josh Bassett, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Kyle Hatherell, Solomone Kata, Jamie Shillcock and Finn Theobald-Thomas.