Leicester Tigers sign Tom Whiteley on long-term deal

Leicester Tigers have signed Tom Whiteley from Bristol Bears on a long-term deal.

The 27-year-old will join Tigers this week after agreeing an early release with the Bears.

Whiteley played his junior rugby as part of Academy squads with Bristol and Harlequins before signing with Saracens, who he made his senior debut for in 2014 and went on to play 62 games for before joining the Bears ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Speaking about the addition of Whiteley, Leicester Tigers Interim Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “We are very excited to have Tom join us this week on a long-term deal and looking forward to what he brings to the club.”

“Tom is an experienced campaigner in the league and adds great depth, as well as competition, to our scrum-half ranks.

“Not only does he provide us with options in the position during the Six Nations, while we have two players away with England, it’s pleasing that he’s also committed his future to Tigers beyond this season.

“I am looking forward to working with Tom, a player with his best years ahead, and seeing him contribute to what we are doing at this club.”

Discussing the move to Leicester Tigers, Whiteley said: “I am very excited to be joining Tigers, as the club builds on last season’s Premiership success.”

“It’s a club with a proud history and a bright future.

“I know Richard Wigglesworth well from our days at Saracens. His knowledge and energy are unbelievable.”

Whiteley joins Tigers effective immediately and will commence training with the club this week.