Leicester Tigers lose Eli Snyman to the URC

Leicester will lose the services of Eli Snyman at the end of the current season, with the South African lock returning to Benetton Treviso in the URC.

Snyman has signed with the Italian outfit until 2026, returning to the Italian club he left in 2021.

The 6'7, 110kg lock has made 34 appearances for Tigers so far and will be hoping he can help the side to a second successive Gallagher Premiership title in the next few weeks.

The 27-year-old represented the Springboks Under-20s in 2016 before making his Currie Cup debut for the Bulls in the same season. His Super Rugby debut for the Bulls in 2019 before originally signing with Treviso ahead of the 2019/20 European season.

"Eli has been a big part of the Leicester pack during these past two seasons, playing a key role both on the pitch and as a leader for the young players in his position," said Leicester boss Richard Wigglesworth. "I enjoyed the opportunity to play alongside Eli last season and for the first part of this season and equally so the chance to have coached him during that time.

"He's been a great contributor to Leicester Tigers and we thank him for that, as well as wishing him all the best for the next stage of his career back in Italy with Benetton."