Leicester sign Falcons star Toby Flood
Leicester Tigers sign fly-half Toby Flood from Newcastle Falcons
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Wednesday, 11, Jun 2008 09:51
Leicester Tigers have completed the signing of England international Toby Flood from Guinness Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons.
The 22-year-old, who can play as an orthodox centre or at fly-half, will join up with his new team-mates for pre-season training later this summer when he returns from international duty in New Zealand.
Flood has 17 England caps to his name so far and he hopes that signing for the Guinness Premiership finalist Tigers he will have the chance to stake a claim for a more regular spot in the starting XV.
"Leicester is a world-class club and the ambition of the club is very exciting for me," Flood said.
"I am sad to leave home and to leave Newcastle where I have very fond memories, but at this stage of my rugby career a new challenge is very important.
"This is an exciting challenge and it is one that I could not turn down. I am looking forward to getting stuck in at Leicester in pre-season training."
Flood was a member of the England team that reached an unlikely Rugby World Cup final last November, playing in the knockout victories over Australia and France and the final against South Africa.
And Tigers chairman Peter Tom said the addition of Flood would improve an already substantial pool of talent at Welford Road.
"Toby Flood is an ambitious and talented young player with good experience at Premiership and international level," Tom explained.
"We are sure he will be a valuable addition to an already competitive squad and we are looking forward to his arrival in preparation for the new season."