Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of Australia international Matt Toomua for next season.
The 25-year-old was part of the Australia squad that reached the World Cup final last month.
He can play at five-eighth or inside centre and is currently with the ACT Brumbies.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Tigers,” Toomua told Leicester’s official website.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be a part of such a successful organisation with such a proud history.”
Toomua has scored four tries in 31 internationals for the Wallabies, including playing in five matches at the recent World Cup, although he started only one of those, against Uruguay.
“It is no secret we have been looking to sign a top-class player to add to our back-line resources and Matt is certainly in that category,” Leicester’s director of rugby Richard Cockerill said.
“He is still a young man, but has already achieved such a lot in Super Rugby and played extensively in Test rugby for the Wallabies.”
Toomua was considered as a likely inclusion in the Wallabies squad next season, but will now fall foul of the side’s eligibility criteria.
Despite the criteria being watered down recently to include overseas players such as Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, Toomua has not played enough matches for the Wallabies to qualify.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
And an example of one of the factors what is wrong with English rugby. A heap of imports that are not available to play for England. Much prefer our system of developing & investing in talent that can help us win test matches.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No, but you can say he was woeful because he offered very little in setting up players outside of him or breaking the line himself. Wasn't woeful, but was one of our weaker performers in their role.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Explain what Giteau offered in the World Cup. Set up no more or less tries than alternatives like De Allande and Nonu, so he wasn't a play maker. Made only a single clean break and beat 4 defenders all tournament, less than the same alternatives, so he wasn't an elusive line breaker. Had less runs and tackles per game so he wasn't a work horse. Had less meters per run, so he wasn't an effective crash baller or runner. The only player who he's returns are comparable (when pro rated to minutes played) is Sam Burgess. Hardly esteemed company in international rugby union.
Iwillnotstandby
Guest
I think his work in the wallabies win over NZ in Sydney illustrates the lost potential there. It's a professional game and players need to look after their own best interests. As far as the Giteau bashing, his experience brought oz a lot in this WC. The left foot kick for example.
Playmaker
Guest
Pretty poo poo comment WC, but have fun with it.
henry
Guest
Maybe the people you think knows rugby do in fact know SFA, Not Bothered.
ClarkeG
Guest
Yes he probably does but it's worth noting he didn't use any personally insulting words.
Markus
Guest
Solid squad but hardly exceptional. Betham was struggling to get starts for the Tahs, same with Veainu for the Rebels, and McCaffrey to even get a Super Rugby contract. I do not think Toomua ousting either the uncapped Williams or the reliable but hardly outstanding Matt Smith will be as difficult as you indicate.
Zero Gain
Guest
Feel better now you have put that gutless boot in?
Gonzo
Guest
I'd love to see a Champions League of Union. Imagine this team taking on the best of Super Rugby.
soapit
Guest
you heard him everyone. praise giteau immediately without exception or forget about being taken seriously on any rugby topic ever again i should say that i personally dont feel as strongly about it as nb tho
soapit
Guest
tend to think those smller options have a bit more pace than toomu tho
taylorman
Roar Guru
Except the Canes, Highlanders, Tahs, Brumbies, Stormers and several others.
Not Bothered
Guest
Have not heard anything but praise for Giteau from anyone who knows about rugby.
Not Bothered
Guest
Sigh. Inside centres dont have to be big. If you dont think Im right, look at Eng, Arg, Fra, Aus, Scot, Samoa, Fiji and lots of other countries at the WC who all used guys around the same size as Toomua.
Great WC
Guest
Pretty overrated player only really a loss to a side like the Wobblies that lacks real depth.
cuw
Guest
no he did not , untill he got hammered in the game against argies. then he had to go off against nz becoz of concussion protocol. u cant say he was woeful becoz of that. !!! untill then he was doing great.
Playmaker
Guest
Finally , someone has brought it up. Toomua competition for a test spot were a small old guy , a flaky pastry and a no frills but honest player...and he could not get a look in....not wonder he is looking after himself, nobody else is.
cuw
Guest
this is the side that beat Stade Français last weekend. 15 Mathew Tait (c), 14 Adam Thompstone, 13 Peter Betham, 12 Matt Smith, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Owen Williams, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Lachlan McCaffrey, 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Michael Fitzgerald, 5 Mike Williams, 4 Dom Barrow, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Tom Youngs, 1 Marcos Ayerza. Replacements: 16 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Fraser Balmain, 19 Ed Slater, 20 Jordan Crane, 21 Sam Harrison, 22 Seremaia Bai, 23 Telusa Veainu. say it again - Toomua will have to be exceptional to break into the run on side. Tigers have a quality squad.
Ian
Guest
+1