Leicester Tigers will welcome Nemani Nadolo to the club ahead of the 2020/21 season.
The outside-back, who is a proven try-scorer and accomplished goal-kicker, has registered 222 points in 29 Test appearances for the Flying Fijians since his international debut in 2010 and is capable of playing at winger or in the midfield.
Nadolo, considered one of the game’s best finishers, is currently playing for Montpellier in France’s Top 14 after impressive showings during stints in both the southern and northern hemispheres.
“Tigers is everything I’m looking for in a club … family first and the vision they have moving forward is something I wanted to be a part of"
Nemani Nadolo
Prior to the move to the South Coast of France, Nadolo had stints with the Crusaders in New Zealand, Green Rockets in Japan, Exeter Chiefs, Bourgoin and the NSW Waratahs in Australia.
In a career spanning across two decades, Nadolo has registered more than 1,000 points in domestic and international rugby, including more than 150 professional tries.
Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy admitted the addition of Nadolo to the Leicester squad was one that players, coaches and supporters could all “get excited” for ahead of his arrival in the summer.
“It’s certainly one to get excited about, no matter who you are,” said Murphy.
“He’s a star of the international game and a player that crowds all over the world have been able to enjoy see play.
“Now, the Tigers faithful get that chance and the playing squad, as well as coaching staff, get the opportunity to work alongside and with Nemani from next season.”
Nadolo will follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Seru Rabeni, Vereniki Goneva, Seremaia Bai and more recently Campese Ma'afu, as well as World Rugby Hall of Famer Waisale Serevi, in representing the East Midlands club.
“I don’t think it will be long before we are hearing ‘Nadolo’ chanted from the Terrace at Welford Road"
Geordan Murphy
Murphy, who played with all but Ma’afu for Tigers, said he believed Nadolo could leave a legacy like his fellow Fijians at Welford Road.
“We have been blessed with some incredible Fijians at Tigers and I was fortunate enough to have featured alongside some of the very, very best as a player,” added Murphy.
“Nemani certainly possesses the traits of a player that Tigers fans look for and if we didn’t believe he could come here and do for us what we know he’s capable of, we wouldn’t have signed him.
“I don’t think it will be long before we are hearing ‘Nadolo’ chanted from the Terrace at Welford Road.”
The 32-year-old’s signing comes on the back of recent announcement of new arrivals Zack Henry and Shalva Mamukashvili, as well as recommitments from international duo George Ford and Ellis Genge, as well as youngsters Tom Hardwick, George Worth and Sam Aspland-Robinson.
Speaking about the club, Nadolo added: “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club.”
“Tigers is everything I’m looking for in a club … family first and the vision they have moving forward is something I wanted to be a part of.
When asked about what Tigers supporters can expect of him, he said: “I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up and rip in.”
“It’s a great opportunity for me and my family to come set up shop in your town.
“Hopefully I earn the respect of the fans by doing my talking on the field.”
Nadolo will link-up with his new Tigers team-mates in the summer ahead of the 2020/21 season.
