"Rebuild continues" - Five players reportedly joining Leicester Tigers

Rugby News
Tuesday, 25 January 2022 at 13:00
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LEICESTER TIGERS boss Steve Borthwick is still working on potential signings despite the ongoing salary cap investigation.
The club is currently under investigation by Premiership Rugby's salary cap director, Andrew Rogers, for offences alleged to have taken place between 2016 and 2020.
However, it's business as usual for Borthwick who is trying to strengthen his side after it was confirmed Ellis Genge and George Ford will depart the club this summer to Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks respectively.
Check out five possible targets below.

#1. Zach Mercer from Montpellier

The number 8 recently caught Jones’ eye during an outing against Castres, after which the England head coach said: ‘I had a quick chat with Zach after the game. I am really impressed. 
For a young player who has taken the initiative to go and develop his game in another country is absolutely outstanding. We’re hopeful that he’ll come back and try to fight for a spot in the World Cup squad.’
RUCK understands that Bristol Bears are the current favourites to sign the 2-cap England international with Harlequins and Leicester Tigers also interested.
Likelihood: 6/10
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Zach Mercer of Bath Rugby looks dejected after losing during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on 14 May. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Steff Hughes from Scarlets

The 27-year-old has proven himself to be one of Welsh rugby's most consistent performers - having captained the west Walians on a number of occasions. Tigers coach Steve Borthwick is on the lookout for a ball-playing centre to complement new marquee signing, Springbok World Cup winner Handre Pollard, it's reported that Hughes - who actually scored against Leicester in pre-season - could be top of the shopping list.
Likelihood: 8/10
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#3. Jimmy Gopperth from Wasps

Gopperth, who turns 39 in June, has been with Wasps since 2015 and scored the winning points as his current club to end Leicester's 16 game unbeaten run yesterday. A move to Tigers potentially could see the fly-half/centre take up a player/coach role like the one created for fellow veteran, Richard Wigglesworth.
Likelihood: 6/10
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Wasps player Jimmy Gopperth during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Wasps and Exeter Chiefs at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry on October 16th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK


#4. George Kruis from Saitama Wild Knight

Tigers are hoping to bring former England and Lions second row back to the Premiership next season. The 31-year-old has spent the last year playing in Japan for the Saitama Wild Knights following a trophy-laden 11 seasons with Saracens.
Likelihood: 5/10
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George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK


#5. Beno Obano from Bath

London-born Obano, 27, is currently sidelined after rupturing his ACL while playing for Bath against Harlequins in October and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Likelihood: 5/10
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