Leicester Tigers sign Saxons' Kieran Brookes, Micky Young and Graham Kitchener – Rugby news
Welford Road based English Rugby Union side Leicester Tigers have recruited three impressive youngsters for their next season’s campaign. Officials today have confirmed the signing of the Newcastle Falcons prop Kieran Brookes, scrumhalf
Micky Young and Worcester Warriors’ lock Graham Kitchener for their 2011/12 season campaign. All three of the players Kieran Brookes, Micky Young and Graham Kitchener are currently playing for England Saxons in the 2011 Churchill Cup.
The statement was released on the club’s official website on Thursday, June 9.
Tigers are this year premiership finalists and topped the premiership table with 78 points and 16 wins coming from their 22 round matches. However, Leicester did not win the final as Saracens defeated Tigers 22 – 18 on May 28 at
Twickenham stadium to clinch the title.
Stoke-on-Trent born Brookes is a versatile front row forward player. He has played at both hooker and prop position. The 20-year-old Brookes made his professional senior rugby club debut for Newcastle Falcons against Sale Sharks
in September 2009. He so far has made 25 premiership appearances for Falcons. Before committing to England, he has represented Ireland’s national rugby union at Under-16s, 18s and 20 levels.
Hartlepool born Young joined the professional senior rugby club Newcastle Falcons in 2008 from the Amateur rugby club, West Hartlepool R.F.C. The 22-year-old scrum half Young has so far made 56 premiership appearances for the Falcons
and scored 25 points. Besides playing for the Saxons he was also selected to play for England’s Sevens side in November 2008.
Bromley born Kitchener has left this year’s premiership promotees Worcester Warriors. He made his professional rugby debut for the Warriors in 2008 against the Wasps. He played an important role for Warriors in their efforts to
secure a Premiership place.
The 21-year-old Kitchener has progressed his way up in the national sides. He has played in England’s Under-16, Under-18, Under-20 squads and also England Saxons team. He was part of the Under-20s side that reached the final of
the International Rugby Board’s Junior World Championships.
Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has expressed his delight at acquiring the services of the youngsters for the club. He said, “We're delighted to be able to add such promising young talent to our squad. We hope they all enjoy a successful
Churchill Cup this summer and we look forward to them joining us in time for the build-up to the new season.”
Cockerill reiterated his club’s efforts to support and promote the young rugby players and develop them into better resources. He added that the club will continue to bring youngsters to the club and develop them in a professional environment.
Cockerill further added, “It is important for this club to retain a strong, young English core to the squad and we have an excellent record in that regard.”
The nine-time Premiership champions will be looking forward to carry their impressive 2010/11 season form in the 2011/12 premiership season.
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