Springbok and Sharks winger JP Pietersen will join the Leicester Tigers on a three-year deal after this season's Vodacom Super Rugby competition.

Pietersen, who is currently playing club rugby in Japan with the Panasonic Wild Knights, will join the English Premiership side ahead of the 2016-17 season.

'We have been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP is certainly in that class,' Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill commented. 'He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long time, but he still has a lot to offer and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe.

'JP is a world-class finisher and offers a threat in the wide channels,' he added. 'We have a strong group of players in the backline already here and with JP and Matt Toomua coming in for next season we are adding to that strength.'

Pietersen said he was excited to take on this new challenge.

'I'm really looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester Tigers and competing for silverware in the Premiership and European Champions Cup. I have spent the majority of my career in South Africa, and the past few years in Japan, and I feel that it's a perfect time to experience something new.

'I hope to contribute to the team on and off the field in any way I can. I'm looking forward to joining the Tigers after my final Super Rugby season with the Sharks.'

Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images