Springbok winger Pietersen to join Leicester

South Africa World Cup winger JP Pietersen is to join Leicester during the summer and play in the Premiership next season, the club announced on Monday.

The winger was part of the South Africa squad which won the 2007 World Cup in France and he also played in the 2011 tournament in New Zealand.

He has scored 22 tries in 66 Test caps since making his international debut in 2006. Pietersen currently plays club rugby in Japan with Panasonic Wild Knights.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class.

"He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long time but he still has a lot to offer and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe.

"JP is a world-class finisher and offers a threat in the wide channels."

Pietersen, who played with Natal and the Sharks in South Africa, said: "I'm really looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester Tigers and competing for silverware in the Premiership and European Champions Cup.

"I have spent the majority of my career in South Africa and the past few years in Japan and I feel that it's a perfect time to experience something new.

"I hope to contribute to the team on and off the field in any way I can. I'm looking forward to joining the Tigers after my final Super Rugby season with the Sharks."
Source: AFP