Leicester Tigers boss responds to reports international star is set to leave
Rugby NewsSaturday, 25 April 2020 at 09:50
Jonah Holmes has been allowed to hold talks about a return to Wales but Leicester say the speedster in under contract and any move has to be in their best interests.
The Dragons on hoping to sign the speedster.
BBC Radio Leicester reported on Wednesday that the Tigers are resigned to the 27-year-old wing/full-back leaving in order further his Test ambitions but it is far from a done deal.
“Jonah has spoken to the WRU and they have made it their goal to get as many of their top 38 players back to play in their provinces as possible,” Murphy said.
“We do not stand in anyone’s way but he is under contract and we will do what is best for the Tigers. He is contracted to Tigers and we’ll see how that progresses.”
Leicester Tigers | Four perfect replacements for Jonny May
Leicester Tigers have already lost Jonny May to Gloucester and are reportedly set to lose Jonah Holmes to Dragons, which severely depletes their wide-men ranks.
They have already signed Fijian powerhouse Nemani Nadolo for next season, but need reinforcements with Rory Hughes also set to depart when his loan from Glasgow expires.
Here's a list of four wingers who would be seen as great signings for Tigers:
1. Marland Yarde
Tigers were linked with the England international speedster before the quarantine began.
There was then a report from The Rugby Paper that he'd signed a new deal with Sale, but that hasn't been confirmed.
If Tigers can get him in, the 27-year-old would guarantee tries as long as he remains fit.
Absolutely a player to consider.
2. Dane Haylett-Petty
The 33-cap Wallaby is an international superstar who is available for Tigers to go sign on a short-term deal as soon as this is over.
This is due to Haylett-Petty, who was forced to take a huge paycut, being given the green light to take a leave of absence from Super Rugby and secure short term contracts in places such as England and the Japanese Top League before returning in time for the July 2021 Test schedule.
Would be an incredible signing.
3. Joe Tomane
If Tigers are looking for an experienced head to help bring on some of their young wide-men then Tomane is an obvious choice.
The Wallaby, who is out of contract with Leinster in the summer, has been consistently brilliant for the Irish province and there will be no shortage of interest in securing the 30-year-old's services.
Tigers should be at the front of that queue.
4. Alex Lewington
With Saracens urgently trying to reduce their wage bill, Tigers should attempt to bring the speedster back to Welford Road.
He departed Tigers in 2013 as a lightweight winger who had failed to make his mark after progressing through the clubs academy.
Since then, he's bulked up a bit but kept his speed, developing into one of the Premiership's most deadly finishers for Saracens, who he joined following successful stints with Nottingham and London Irish.
Bringing him back to Welford Road would be a great piece of business.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading