Leicester Tigers sign Exeter Chiefs and Zimbabwe forward

By devonlive.com

Leicester Tigers have confirmed a quartet of new signings have joined the club’s pre-season training ahead of the 2023/24 season including Exeter Chiefs forward Mike Williams.

Williams, 31, joined Chiefs from Bath on a short-term contract but with an opportunity to earn a long deal back in January following Ruben van Heerden’s midseason departure to return to South Africa. The Zimbabwean forward, who can play both lock and flanker was a regular in the Exeter squad for the remainder of the season but has now returned to his former club Leicester.

Tigers, who will be led by new head coach Dan McKellar this season, also confirmed the addition of London Irish scrum-half Joe Powell and flanker Matt Rogerson, along with Sale Sharks fly-half Kieran Wilkinson.

Williams returns to Welford Road having already made more than 80 appearances during four seasons with the club having joined the Midlands side from Worcester Warriors in 2015.

In the summer of 2019, Williams joined Bath and made 49 appearances for the Blue, Black and White before making a mid-season switch to the Devon side.

Speaking about the signing, McKellar said: “We are excited to have Mike back at Leicester Tigers.

“He is a physical player with a combative approach to the game and enjoys the tough stuff – all the attributes we want in our forwards at this club.

“I am certain our supporters are pleased to see a man of Mike’s character back at the club also. He understands what it means to be able to represent Leicester Tigers, our role in the community and is as passionate as ever about being a part of that again.”