Ifereimi Boladau has joined Leicester Tigers on loan from Championship side Nottingham for the opening months of the 2019/20 season as cover during the Rugby World Cup.
Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy will be unable to select nine of his senior squad during the opening weeks of the new season, including six members of England's squad and incoming Argentina international Tomás Lavanini, as well as Tongan pair Sione Kalamafoni and Telusa Veainu.
The Fijian-born back-rower has previously represented Ospreys and London Scottish before agreeing a move to Nottingham over the summer.
Boladau is a member of the British Armed Forces and has represented the British Army in the annual fixture held at Twickenham each season.
Speaking about Boladau’s inclusion, Tigers head coach Murphy said: “Bola offers us an experienced, versatile option in the back-row for the Premiership Cup and opening weeks of the Prem season.”
“With Sione unavailable and Tomás not expected to return until the conclusion of the World Cup, as well as new recruit Jordan Taufua joining following the tournament in Japan, Bola is a great addition and fine example of a professional for our young forwards to learn from.
“He has been training with us during the pre-season and added a lot to our back-row depth, as well as hopefully learning plenty that he can take back to help benefit Nottingham in their Championship season ahead.
“We are very fortunate to have had a long-standing relationship with Nottingham at Tigers and Bola’s loan spell with us is yet another example of that at work.”
Steve Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham Rugby, said “This is a great opportunity for Bola and I am sure he will thrive in the Tigers and Premiership environment.
“He’s a great ball carrier and we look forward to watching him in a Tigers shirt over the next few weeks alongside ex Green and White back-rower Jordan Coghlan.”
Boladau is the second player to be confirmed as joining Leicester on loan for the duration of the Rugby World Cup, alongside Andy Forsyth from Coventry Rugby, while the club is missing nine members of the senior squad on international duty.
