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Tuqiri quits Leicester for league return
Rugby Union, 10:29, February 4, 2010 ,
Lote Tuqiri has left rugby union side Leicester to sign a three-year deal with Australian National Rugby League side West Tigers.
The Fiji-born 30-year-old dual-code Australian international only joined Leicester on a short-term deal in November and was always expected to make a return to Australia at the end of it. And, Tuqiri, who had his deal with the Australian Rugby Union cancelled last July following an off-field breach of contract, is looking forward to returning to league action after a near eight-year absence.
He said: "I will never forget Leicester's warm hospitality.
"But the opportunity to play under the most experienced coach in the game, Tim Sheens, at Wests was a major factor."
He added: "There was plenty of speculation about my next career move.
"I enjoyed my time in rugby union immensely but Wests Tigers is a club with a great culture and a terrific roster of players. I am thrilled to be joining them."
Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill said: "Lote has been a great asset in his time here. We spoke about the possibility of extending his stay with us, but we appreciate that he is excited by the prospect of a return to Australia and to rugby league."