Back-row Thorpe to leave London Irish

Richard Thorpe has announced that he will be leaving London Irish following a 10-year spell with the club.

The back-row forward, who has made 127 appearances for the Exiles, is rumoured to be linking up with the Leicester Tigers.

"I would like to thank all players and staff that I have been involved with over my time at London Irish and also the tremendous supporter base," said Thorpe.

"I will look back at my time at Irish with fond memories. I am now looking forward to a new challenge."

The Tigers have not confirmed the signing but a short-lived tweet from Thorpe said, "Thanks for a great decade of rugby London Irish. Now for a new challenge... signed with Leicester Tigers this afternoon #happylad", before being quickly removed.