Tigers snap up back row Mapapalangi

9:39 AM BST

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  ESPN Staff

Leicester's Tongan contingent has been bolstered by the signing of Test back row Valentino Mapapalangi.

Mapapalangi, who has won six caps for his country, will join countrymen Telusa Veainu and Sione Kalamafoni at Welford Road, subject to obtaining a visa.

Tigers head coach Matt O'Connor has previously worked with the 24-year-old back row, and believes the Tongan will improve his squad.

"Valentino is a very talented young player with a lot of potential to grow and develop with us," O'Connor said.

"He is a physical player on both sides of the ball, a strong ball-carrier and can provide us with a useful option in the forward pack.

"We're looking forward to bringing him in during preseason and working with him ahead of the 2017-18 programme."

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Tigers snap up back row Mapapalangi