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The Wallabies and NSW Waratahs have suffered a blow with the loss of explosive centre Izaia Perese to the Leicester Tigers on a two year deal.
Perese has played six Tests for Australia and starred in the No.13 jersey in their most recent against Portugal at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The 26-year-old played for the Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos and Bayonne before scoring seven tries in his 37 games for the Waratahs.
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Perese has been lured to Leicester by former Wallabies assistant coach Dan McKellar, who is now the head honcho at the Tigers.
”Izzy’s a real point of difference player with footwork, power, and the ability to beat defenders,” McKellar said.
“He’s always had immense talent, but he’s added to that natural game with his defence, his effort areas and having worked with him in the Wallabies environment, I know he’s someone who will thrive playing at Welford Road.”
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Perese’s departure after the Super Rugby Pacific season is a setback for new Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt but he does have other strong options in Len Ikitau, Jordan Petaia and the uncapped Josh Flook.
The Waratahs will likely turn to young Harry Wilson – the son of Wallabies great David – as Perese’s successor at outside centre.
“Izaia has been a terrific performer and team member for the Waratahs over the last three years and whilst it is sad to see him leave, we wish Izzy and his family all the best in the next phase of his career,” NSW coach Darren Coleman said.
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Perese said it was “a difficult decision” to leave Sydney but was excited to take on a new challenge in England.
“I’ll be looking to give my best in every game for the remainder of the season and hopefully give this competition a real shake come finals time,” Perese said.
Leicester are sitting sixth in the Premiership with a 7-5 record.
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“We set out to add a player with pace and power and we certainly feel we’ve done that,” Tigers general manager Richard Wilks said.
“He’s a player that gets you out of your seat and I’ve no doubt our supporters will enjoy watching him play in a Tigers shirt.”
Leicester are the most successful club in Premiership history with 11 titles.
