Leicester Tigers forward Guy Thompson revealed earlier this month that he is set to leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
The 33-year-old flanker has scored seven tries in 33 appearances since moving to Welford Road from Wasps in the summer of 2018.
Despite plenty interest from a number of Gallagher Premiership clubs, The Rugby Paper has exclusively revealed that the flanker will be playing in the Championship next season.
Ealing Trailfinders have reportedly pulled off the eye-catching signing of the popular back-rower, who has not featured since the win over Bristol on 4 January because of a neck injury.
Thompson was voted Tigers’ newcomer of the season for 2018-19 after scoring five tries in 20 outings - including two in the crucial win at Newcastle last April which helped the club survive relegation from the Premiership.
The flanker’s character shone through when he insisted he had no animosity towards Tigers for their decision.
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“What I want to echo is that I don’t want anyone to think I am angry at Leicester,” he said in an interview on the club’s website.
“Leicester has given me so much as a club … and given me the opportunity to wear the shirt and make some great friends.
“It’s not personal, Leicester decided to go with another player. You don’t expect to be kept on if you’re not playing well enough or if they think someone is going to fit better.
“There are a lot of factors people don’t see that go into it.”
Leicester Tigers | Four perfect replacements for Jonny May
Leicester Tigers have already lost Jonny May to Gloucester and are reportedly set to lose Jonah Holmes to Dragons, which severely depletes their wide-men ranks.
They have already signed Fijian powerhouse Nemani Nadolo for next season, but need reinforcements with Rory Hughes also set to depart when his loan from Glasgow expires.
Here's a list of four wingers who would be seen as great signings for Tigers:
1. Marland Yarde
Tigers were linked with the England international speedster before the quarantine began.
There was then a report from The Rugby Paper that he'd signed a new deal with Sale, but that hasn't been confirmed.
If Tigers can get him in, the 27-year-old would guarantee tries as long as he remains fit.
Absolutely a player to consider.
2. Dane Haylett-Petty
The 33-cap Wallaby is an international superstar who is available for Tigers to go sign on a short-term deal as soon as this is over.
This is due to Haylett-Petty, who was forced to take a huge paycut, being given the green light to take a leave of absence from Super Rugby and secure short term contracts in places such as England and the Japanese Top League before returning in time for the July 2021 Test schedule.
Would be an incredible signing.
3. Joe Tomane
If Tigers are looking for an experienced head to help bring on some of their young wide-men then Tomane is an obvious choice.
The Wallaby, who is out of contract with Leinster in the summer, has been consistently brilliant for the Irish province and there will be no shortage of interest in securing the 30-year-old's services.
Tigers should be at the front of that queue.
4. Alex Lewington
With Saracens urgently trying to reduce their wage bill, Tigers should attempt to bring the speedster back to Welford Road.
He departed Tigers in 2013 as a lightweight winger who had failed to make his mark after progressing through the clubs academy.
Since then, he's bulked up a bit but kept his speed, developing into one of the Premiership's most deadly finishers for Saracens, who he joined following successful stints with Nottingham and London Irish.
Bringing him back to Welford Road would be a great piece of business.
