Tigers sign younger Humphreys

Leicester have signed Irish fly-half Ian Humphreys, younger brother of Ireland number 10 David Humphreys.

The 22-year-old, who has captained Ireland’s sevens side, has joined the Tigers after rejecting a development contract from Ulster Rugby.

“This is a great opportunity for us and for Ian,” said Tigers coach Pat Howard. “He fits into the squad set-up very, very well, as he has unique talents, suited to the 15-man game and sevens.

“We see this as an opportunity for Ian to make that next step up and with the young nature of our 10s in the squad, he fits in very well.

“He’s a goal-kicker and he also has great hand-foot-skills and it will be really interesting how he adapts to our style of play next season.”

Humphreys, who plays club rugby for Belfast Harlequins, said: “The opportunity to pursue my rugby ambitions with Leicester Tigers, who are consistently a dominant force on both domestic and European fronts, was impossible to turn down.

“The prospect of receiving coaching from Paddy Howard, who has played out half at international level, Neil Back, and the rest of the coaching staff at Leicester – including a full-time kicking coach, coupled with the attacking style of rugby Leicester play, was ultimately the determining factors in reaching my decision.”