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Leicester Tigers have signed South Africa international wing JP Pietersen for next season
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The 29-year-old has 66 caps and was a member of the Springboks side that won the World Cup in 2007
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He will move to Welford Road from Japanese club Wild Knights
Leicester have completed the signing of South Africa winger JP Pietersen, who will join the club in the summer ahead of the 2015/16 season.
Pietersen was part of the triumphant Springbok squad in the 2007 World Cup and also played in the 2011 tournament in New Zealand and in 2015 in England.
The 29-year-old, who has won 66 caps, scoring 22 tries for his country, said: “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.”
Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill added: “We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class.
“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.”
Meanwhile wings Adam Thompstone, 28, and Telusa Veainu, 25, and centre Matt Smith, 30, have agreed new deals with the Premiership side.