Tatafu Polota-Nau to leave Leicester Tigers

Former Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, who called time on his test career last year, is among the several players who will depart Leicester Tigers at the end of the season after three seasons with the English team.

The hooker joined the Tigers on two-and-a-half year contract at beginning of December 2017, and made 14 appearances for the club in his second season.

EW Viljoen and Joe Thomas are the other players moving on, while Will Spencer, Gaston Cortes, Sione Kalamafoni and Owen Hills will also leave Welford Road when the season ends. 

Australian defence coach Phil Blake is also departing Leicester after his second stint with the Tigers.

Leicester coach Geordan Murphy paid tribute to Blake in a statement: 

“Phil is a passionate, driven coach who arrived into our environment midway through last season and hit the ground running, leading our defence,” he said.

“The club is grateful to him for his efforts and we all wish him the best in the next chapter of his coaching career.”