Tigers sign England international utility back Mathew Tait – Rugby Union news
Welford Road based English Rugby Union club, Leicester Tigers, have confirmed the signing of English international and former Sale Sharks utility back, Mathew Tait. Officials at the club have confirmed Tait’s switch from Sharks to Tigers in a statement released
on their website on Thursday, July 14.
The statement read, “England international centre Mathew Tait has completed his move to Leicester Tigers.”
Tait is considered one of the best young rugby players in England and is famous for his skills, ball carrying and ball handling abilities. His inclusion should strengthen the Tigers squad for the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership season.
The Durham born Tait is currently a utility back but has played at the centre position, as winger and fullback positions in his career so far. He made his professional senior rugby club debut for Newcastle Falcons in 2004. He remained there until the end
of the 2007/08 season. In four seasons, he made 66 appearances for Falcons and scored 100 points.
During his stay at the Falcons, Tait made his international debut for England at age of 19 against Wales at Millennium Stadium on February 5, 2005. He has made 38 appearances for England and has scored 25 points.
The 25-year-old Tait joined the Sale Sharks at the start of the 2008 season. During his three seasons stay at Sharks, he has made 36 Premiership appearances for Sharks and scored 20 points. Tait played only five games for Sharks in their 2010/11 Aviva
Premiership campaign.
Leicester Tigers director of rugby, Richard Cockerill, has expressed his delight at acquiring the services of the young and talented international back. He termed the Tait’s inclusion as an “excellent addition to the squad.”
Cockerhill further added, “He (Tait) has gained a lot of experience for a player who is just 25 years old and he has played at the highest level, including the World Cup Final in 2007. But he is still young, he is still ambitious and he wants to challenge
himself here.”
Tait has expressed his excitement on signing the new deal with the Premiership winners, Tigers. He expressed his hope to become a permanent member of the side. He said, “There is a superb set-up at Leicester and a very competitive squad. I'm looking forward
to trying to establish myself in the team here.”
Tait added that he will be looking forward to further develop his skills during his stay at the Tigers. He said, “The move to Leicester Tigers gives me a great opportunity to continue my development as a player and I know there is still a lot to come in
my career.”
In addition to Tait, Tigers have also confirmed the singing of Kieran Brookes, Graham Kitchener, Micky Young, Niall Morris, and Julian Salvi for their 2011/12 Premiership campaign.
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