Rugby:Former Ireland underage prop Kieran Brookes was one of three players signed up by Leicester today as the Tigers strengthened their ranks ahead of next season.
Worcester lock Graham Kitchener and Brookes's Newcastle teammate Micky Young will also join the club.
Brookes, who appeared for the England Saxons in their recent match against Barbarians, had previously played for Ireland at at U-18, U-19 and U-20 levels.
Kitchener, 21, has long been earmarked as a future England second row and his decision to move on from the Warriors after helping them secure promotion will boost Leicester in an area where they were badly hit by injury last term.
Director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "We're delighted to be able to add such promising young talent to our squad. We hope they all enjoy a successful Churchill Cup this summer and we look forward to them joining us in time for the build-up to the new season.
"We've brought a number of young players through to our first-team squad in the last couple of seasons and we think these three have the potential to develop well within our environment. It is important for this club to retain a strong, young English core to the squad and we have an excellent record in that regard."
