Leicester Tigers have confirmed that centre Ayoola Erinle will be joining the Guinness Premiership leaders from London Wasps at the end of this season.
The 27-year-old went to the Churchill Cup with the England A squad last season and has previous international experience with England's Sevens and Students squads.
"It was a massive decision to leave Wasps after such a long time but I feel the time is right to take on a fresh challenge and I am delighted to agree a move to Leicester," said Erinle. "There is immense talent in the squad and, like Wasps, Leicester have brought through young players and that is great not just for the club but also for English rugby."
At 6ft 3in and 17st 4lb, Ayoola is a strong and powerful runner in the midfield and made his Wasps debut in 2002. During the 2004-05 season he scored 11 tries in 19 appearances and has now totalled 26 tries in 106 appearances for Wasps, including one in the Powergen Cup semi-final victory over Tigers at the Millennium Stadium last season.
He is currently working his way back to full fitness after a broken leg, an injury picked up during Leicester's win at Wasps' Causeway Stadium during the autumn international period in November.
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "Erinle has excellent finishing ability, combined with the ability to break the line. We believe him to be a player with a lot of ability who will fit into the Leicester culture very well."
London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "Ayoola is a talented player who has put in some fine performances in his five seasons with the club. We wish him well in the future and for the new challenges next season."
The 27-year-old went to the Churchill Cup with the England A squad last season and has previous international experience with England's Sevens and Students squads.
"It was a massive decision to leave Wasps after such a long time but I feel the time is right to take on a fresh challenge and I am delighted to agree a move to Leicester," said Erinle. "There is immense talent in the squad and, like Wasps, Leicester have brought through young players and that is great not just for the club but also for English rugby."
At 6ft 3in and 17st 4lb, Ayoola is a strong and powerful runner in the midfield and made his Wasps debut in 2002. During the 2004-05 season he scored 11 tries in 19 appearances and has now totalled 26 tries in 106 appearances for Wasps, including one in the Powergen Cup semi-final victory over Tigers at the Millennium Stadium last season.
He is currently working his way back to full fitness after a broken leg, an injury picked up during Leicester's win at Wasps' Causeway Stadium during the autumn international period in November.
Tigers head coach Pat Howard said: "Erinle has excellent finishing ability, combined with the ability to break the line. We believe him to be a player with a lot of ability who will fit into the Leicester culture very well."
London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said: "Ayoola is a talented player who has put in some fine performances in his five seasons with the club. We wish him well in the future and for the new challenges next season."
