The Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of loose forward Cyle Brink ahead of the 2020-21 European season.
Earlier today, the Lions announced that Brink had been granted an early release from his contract but the union did not relay where he would play next.
Now, after much speculation linking Brink to the Tigers, the English club released a statement confirming the 26-year-old will turn out for them next season.
Brink says the Tigers have always been a club he has watched with close interest while plying his trade in Super Rugby.
‘I have always been interested and I knew if I ever went over to Europe, Leicester were always one of the clubs I would have wanted to play for,’ Brink explained.
‘I am keen to come over and keen for a change. I am excited for the different style of rugby and what I can add at Leicester Tigers.’
Brink, a versatile player who has featured across the back row during his seven-year Lions career, believes that the European game will suit his playing style.
‘I have been told that northern-hemisphere rugby is more suited to the game that I play. It is a very direct, hard game, which will suit me and the way I play the game.’
Asked about what Tigers supporters can expect from him, Brink said: ‘I like to be dominant in defence and contribute with big ball carries. I like to dominate collisions … I don’t like going backwards and never want someone to get the better of me in a tackle.
‘I aim to get the better of the opposition in every collision and will for Leicester Tigers, too.’
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Welcome to the #TigersFamily, Cyle Brink! pic.twitter.com/LonTTGLxYT
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 10, 2020
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images