Leicester Tigers sign 'collision winning' Irish backrower

Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of hard hitting backrow Dom Ryan from Leinster.

Ryan (27) made a total of 113 appearances for Leinster, playing across the back row but predominantly at blindside or openside flanker, scoring 18 tries, after making his debut for the province in 2009.

At 6ft 4in, 104kg back-rower Ryan has played for the Ireland Wolfhounds and also made his full Test debut against Georgia in the autumn series during 2014.

Tigers head coach Matt O'Connor worked with Ryan during his time in charge at Leinster and is looking forward to welcoming the back-rower when the players report back for training at the beginning of July.

Speaking to the club's website O'Connor said: "Dom is an experienced professional who plays all across the back row. He wins collisions on both sides of the ball and comes from an environment that understands the narrative of winning."

Ryan, who came through the Leinster academy system, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Leinster and Irish rugby over the last seven years, but it is time for a new challenge in my career and I'm delighted to sign for Leicester Tigers, as they are one of the great clubs in European rugby. I'm also excited to work with Matty again because he had such a great impact on my career at Leinster."

Tigers have today also confirmed the signing of back-rower Sione Kalamafoni (Gloucester Rugby), and fly-half Joe Ford and wing Jonah Holmes (Yorkshire Carnegie) to go with the earlier announcement of the arrival of England fly-half George Ford from Bath Rugby.