Leicester Tigers can confirm that back-rower Jordan Taufua has accepted the proposed, amended pay agreement with the club.

The New Zealand born forward, who has made nine appearances for Tigers since joining from the Crusaders at the beginning of the 2019/20 season, joins the majority of the Leicester senior squad in accepting the necessary changes due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the club.

The 28-year-old was granted an extension for the consultation process, beyond June 30, after going into quarantine for two weeks following his return to Leicester from New Zealand ahead of the return to Phase One training last month.

Speaking about the confirmation of Taufua’s commitment to the club’s future, Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Geordan Murphy said: “Jordan has said from the outset that he wanted to be a part of Leicester Tigers moving forward.”

“He was afforded the extra time so he could be given the same opportunity to meet with us and understand why we have asked the senior playing group and staff, across the club, to assist Leicester Tigers through the effects of the pandemic and into the future.”

Murphy also praised the efforts and commitment of the club’s players, coaches and staff and during a “tough” time in Tigers’ history.

“Steve and the coaching staff have done an excellent job, since commencing on July 1, of ensuring the full focus of the group has been on the job at hand of resuming the season in mid-August,” said Murphy.

“The Board, our CEO Andrea Pinchen, Head of Human Resources Matt Johnson and Jan McGinity have helped us navigate this unprecedented time and the necessary changes we needed to implement, allowing for the rugby programme to continue with the hard work required.

“We are entering a new period in the Tigers history with a new look coaching team, committed group of players and exciting crop of youngsters taking their first steps on their professional rugby journey.

“I have said throughout this process that tough times make tough people and Leicester Tigers will come out the other side with a playing, coaching and staff group of committed individuals who are passionate about this club and want to be a part of seeing it back to where it belongs.”

The Director of Rugby also pointed towards the “commitment” of the Tigers Family and their support during the pandemic period.

“We are also blessed with the best fans in the world, who have shown their commitment financially and with incredible support since the season was postponed,” added Murphy.

“You don’t need to look far back, beyond the past 24 hours, to see what our fans are capable of with the incredible outpouring of support and donations to one of our own, Taylor Gough, as he faces a tough road ahead following a horrific accident. It is simply incredible.

“It is time to get on with the rugby now and continue to build on the hard work that has been put in place by everyone at our club.”