Leicester Tigers can confirm that Nephi Leatigaga has left the club to join Australian Super Rugby side the NSW Waratahs.

The Samoan international’s departure comes after mutual agreement between the player and club for an early release of his contract with Leicester Tigers.

Leatigaga joined Leicester Tigers during the summer of 2019 from French club Biarritz.

He made 29 appearances during his debut campaign and, since his debut away to Bath Rugby in the Premiership Rugby Cup, has totalled 77 games for the club.

The 29-year-old came off the bench in the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership Final victory over Saracens.

Speaking about Leatigaga, Leicester Tigers Interim Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Nephi has been a key part of the club’s forward pack for four seasons and played a big role in what has been a busy, change-full period for Leicester Tigers.

“I always enjoyed running out alongside him as a player and have equally enjoyed coaching him in recent seasons.

“He has been a regular feature in Leicester Tigers sides since joining the club, playing almost 20 games a season up front in the pack on both sides of the front-row.

“When the opportunity for him and his family to be closer to home came up, we felt it was right to provide them that chance and grant the early release.

“On behalf of everybody at the club, I thank him for his contribution to Leicester Tigers and wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter together.”

Leatigaga’s release from the club is effective immediately.