Burns bids farewell to Tigers and joins Highlanders

Fly-half Freddie Burns made his 115th and final appearance for Leicester in yesterday’s East Midlands derby at Northampton. Burns, who has had two stints with Tigers since 2014, is leaving the club to join New Zealand-based Highlanders.

Burns, 32, who kicked the last-minute drop-goal in Leicester’s 15-12 win over Saracens at Twickenham last June, said: “At this stage in my career, the opportunity was too good to turn down,” said Burns.

On his return to Welford Road in 2021, he added: “I just wanted to come back, wear that shirt and play for this club, at this place one more time,” he said.

“I knew if I went out and cherished every moment, that is when I play my best rugby. I think Tigers got the best of me last year.”

Leicester have signed Bristol scrum-half Tom Whiteley, 27, on a longterm deal after an early release was agreed. Tigers have also have made four signings for next season: Jamie Shillcock, Kyle Hatherell, Finn Theobald-Thomas and Josh Bassett.