Leicester sign ex-Wasps prop West and a South African youngster

New Leicester boss Richard Wigglesworth has strengthened his squad with immediate effect, signing England prospect Tom West and Cameron Miell, an up-and-coming youngster from South Africa. Loosehead West was made redundant in October when Wasps collapsed but Tigers have now given him a fresh start.

A statement read: “Leicester Tigers can confirm the addition of Tom West for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. The front-rower joins the club after most recently playing for Wasps, who he represented between 2016 and 2022 after graduating from the club’s academy programme, while also spending time on loan with Nottingham.

“West was selected as part of the England Under-20s squad in 2015 and 2016 before being called into the senior national squad in 2021.

“The club can also confirm the addition of South African youngster, Cameron Miell. The versatile forward, who has played throughout the pack, joins the Leicester Tigers senior academy from Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch where he was a member of the school’s first team for the past two seasons.”

Wigglesworth said: “Tom is an experienced Premiership player who we are delighted to have on board for the remainder of this season. He adds some much-needed depth in the front row, where we have injuries and the potential for players away during the Six Nations, as well as helping continue healthy competition for places.

“As well as what he can offer us up front, on the field, Tom is a great young man who will be a positive addition to the club in many more ways,” continued the coach. “Cameron is a young man with a physical presence on the field and a lot of potential in the game. In a very short space of time, he has shown a real work ethic and desire to improve. We’re excited to see what comes of Cameron and working with him to develop his game at Leicester.”

West added: “I am excited to be here. Leicester were the first club I came and watched as a young boy, being from Norfolk, so it’s very exciting to be a part of it now. I am really looking forward to getting going, especially after what has happened this season, and playing top-level rugby at a great club and seeing what I can bring to the squad.”

Miell said: “I’m delighted to be awarded this fantastic opportunity with Leicester and cannot wait to test myself and learn in such a world-class environment.”