Leicester grant Toomua early release

Matt Toomua has been granted early release by Leicester following a request from the Australia centre to join up with the Melbourne Rebels.

Toomua’s contract was due to end after the climax of Leicester’s Gallagher Premiership campaign on Saturday, but he has already returned Down Under with permission from the Tigers.

“Matt Toomua flew back to Australia on Sunday and has already trained with the Rebels as they continue their Super Rugby campaign,” a club statement read.

The versatile 29-year-old playmaker was signed in 2016 but joined at a difficult time in Leicester’s history, culminating in this season’s struggle against relegation.

He escaped a red card for making a tip-tackle on his debut against Glasgow, but he missed most of the campaign anyway because of a knee injury.

Leicester fans voted him player of the year for 2018-19 due to his vision and range of passing and he made a total for 41 appearances for Tigers.