Leicester Tigers sign lock from Australian club Western Force

Tallon describes herself as a 'big ball-carrying second row' who likes to 'get involved at the breakdown' and who prides herself on her detailed lineout work. That sounds like Tigers' DNA.

"Getting to play in the PWR has always been one of my goals and I'm friends with (prop) Clodagh Dunne who spoke very highly of the set-up at Leicester Tigers," said Tallon. "It feels like a very good match."

Fraser Goatcher, Tigers' Director of Women's Rugby, said: "Liv's an exciting signing because of the potential ceiling she can reach. She's athletic and has good experience of being in a professional environment."

Four players who appeared in Tigers' PWR Cup campaign have returned to their clubs with thanks from Goatcher for their contributions. They are Zainab Alema, Abbie Lamb, Sarah Nicholas and Beth Taylor.

The squad reconvened this week when the Tigers’ six Women's Rugby World Cup participants returned to the camp. Four featured for the USA – Emerson Allen, Kristin Bitter, Tess Feury and Emily Henrich, with Katherine Baverstock (Wales) and Micke Gunter (South Africa).

The PWR league campaign starts at Sale Sharks' CorpAcq Stadium on October 25 (7pm), a game streamed on the PWR's YouTube site.

Then the Tigers make their first home outing at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on November 2 (1pm).