REPORT | Nick Isiekwe to Leicester Tigers rumour is 'garbage'
Transfer RumoursSunday, 17 May 2020 at 08:04
, has rubbished this report.
Rugby transfer guru Neil Fissler has responded to a report from Rugby Pass
that Saracens second-row Nick Isiekwe will be moving to Welford Road on a season-long loan.
Gloucester, Northampton and Sale were all reportedly in for the highly-rated 22-year-old with it suggested that Leicester had won the race to sign the lock on loan.
However, Fissler, who writes a popular weekly rugby transfer column for The Rugby Paper
He wrote on twitter: "I see a website is linking Nick Isiekwe with Leicester Tigers and last week it was Maro Itoje.
"@therugbypaper reported on March 20 that he had signed for Northampton Saints!"
He went onto add that the story was 'Garbage'.
The lock made his Saracens debut aged 18 and a mere year later was earning his first international cap for England.
Prior to that, he plied his trade at Old Albanian before joining the Sarries Academy and represented his country from Under-16 to Under-20 level.
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Trialling many positions in that time, Isiekwe was tried at prop, centre, back row and lock – his height dictating the latter would be the preferred outcome.
The Hemel Hempstead-born forward’s breakthrough season for the Men in Black came in 2017/18 after making his international debut on England’s tour of Argentina. His consistent performances led to a starting role in the Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs which ended victorious.
Isiekwe has already featured over 50 times for his boyhood club, but will leave this summer following their relegation.
LIST | 5 players Leicester could sign following 21 departures
Adam Thompstone and Australia international Tatafu Polota-Nau are among eight further players who will depart Leicester Tigers at the end of the season.
EW Viljoen and Joe Thomas are the other two backs moving on, while Will Spencer, Gaston Cortes, Sione Kalamafoni and Owen Hills will also leave Welford Road when the season ends.
Todays announcement takes their total number of leavers to 21.
Here we look at five signings the Tigers may make to strengthen ahead of the 2020/21 Premiership season.
1. George Kruis
A decade after his debut for Saracens, the 29-year-old Lion from Guildford is understood to be considering a career move to the Far East, having been there last autumn for the World Cup.
However, if the Tigers could convince Kruis to remain in the Gallagher Premiership and come to Welford Road, he would make their line-out imperious.
A game-changer.
Strictly Editorial Use Only - No Merchandising.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by JMP/REX Shutterstock (4962910ar)
George Kruis of England
England v France, United Kingdom - 15 Aug 2015
Mandatory Credit: Photo by JMP/REX Shutterstock (4962910ar)
George Kruis of England
England v France, United Kingdom - 15 Aug 2015
2. Alex Lewington
With Saracens urgently trying to reduce their wage bill, Tigers, who now have only four wingers, 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.
3. Jimmy Gopperth
This summer he turns 37, and with Ryan Mills being recruited from Worcester Warriors, it means it’s unlikely he’ll stay with Wasps. Another player with an abundance of experience who'd offer as much off the pitch as on it.
4. 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.
5. Logovi’i Mulipola
Following their releases, Tigers have only four tightheads on their books
Bringing the Samoan prop, who can play on both sides of the scrum, back to Welford Road could be a very decent signing.
The 33-year-old's versatility, experience and scrummaging pedigree would make him a fantastic addition.
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