Mathew Tait walks in for Leicester Tigers as Dan Hipkiss departs
Leicester Tigers uncovered today that they are close enough to complete the hiring of troubled English international rugby player, Mathew Tait. He is currently a part of Sale Sharks. Director of rugby at Welford, Richard Cockerill disclosed that the conditions
have been discussed and both the parties have agreed on certain terms. He assured that only administrative issues are to be settled; anyways the signing of the 24 year old wing will certainly be signed.
Mathew James Tait is an English rugby union player who plays as a center and a wing, at occasions he has also played as fullback. He is currently playing in Aviva Premiership for Sale Sharks. He is nicknamed as, Taity, Harry Potter, Small Face and Zeus.
He has been in rugby since school and was part of U16, U18 and then U19 England side. Soon after joining Junior National academy in 2004, he was spotted by Newcastle Falcons management and signed him as a center the very same year. He made his debut against
London Irish and made an impression by scoring at the very first touch of the ball. Tait was the center of attention for everyone when Andy Robinson picked the young center for his England elite squad for the Six Nations 2005 fixture against Wales. He was
the second youngest player to play for England. Since then he has played in all the major events for England including World Cup 2007 and Six Nations of 2008 to 2010.
He is reckoned to be the fastest English player and after making his debut at the age of 18 he has been disturbed by ups and downs of the game. Joining Sale Sharks when the club itself was under pressure and was off the track, Tait couldn’t benefit much.
But after this signing it is expected that Tait will have his career settled at last and probably would be restart for him.
While talking to the reporters Cockerill said, “He is keen to come and we are keen to have him here. We have agreed terms with Mat but that is still to be signed off. There's a good possibility it will happen.”
Cockerill revealed his doubts in the signing but believes that Tait has still a lot to offer to rugby. He added, “It is a slight gamble for him to come to us, and for us to sign him, too. But he is 24 and has 38 England caps, so there is still a lot of rugby
left in him.”
While this development takes place, all that Tait fans expect is to watch him get on the track and be a part of the defending champions to make a dream comeback. The aspiring commercial pilot has yet a lot to offer to the sport itself which offered him fame.
On the contrary, Dan Hipkiss the English center is rumoured to be leaving Leicester Tigers, to join Bath, after the announcement of 4 million salary cap and induction of Mathew Tait. Dan Hipkiss could be leaving by this summer, as the 28 year old center
faces a sturdy choice. He is still left with one year of contract with the Tigers, but a number of clubs are reported to be interested in his availability.
Daniel Hipkiss is a professional rugby union center, who has represented England from U16, U17, U18, and U21 till England-A team. He made his debut for England international squad against Wales at Twickenham. He has been a part of Leicester Tigers since
2001 and scored 125 points for the club in his 121 caps. He was one of the lucky English rugby players to be a part of 2003 World Cup winning side.
Bath is considering its midfield options and is probably looking forward to get Hipkiss for their starting line-up, as Shontayne Hape has still to decide whether he will renew his contract or not. Hipkiss would also be interested if it turns out to be a
serious deal, as the 28 year old center hasn’t made a league start since October 2010.
Alongside Shontayne Hape two more deals are expiring at the end of this season. Olly Barkley and Matt Carraro are the ones with probably their last season. But Barkley was reported to have signed a new contract with Bath this week, while Carraro and Hape’s
future with the club is still doubtful.
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