By Denise
June 8 2002

The rumours have been rife for the last few weeks with Leicester linked to every tighthead prop going and of course some of Leicester's established players being linked with moves to Saracens, Bath and even the Hardlywins. So first to the departures. This week the half-back pairing that burst on the scene in 1999 during the RWC have moved on to pastures new. With Andy Goode off to Saracens in search of more "razzmatazz" and of course the route into the England set-up that evaded him at Leicester. James Grindal's move to Newcastle was possibly more expected as he has had very limited first team action over the past two seasons.

The loss of Andy Goode has caused some worries for us Tigers supporters as it means that Austin Healey now has no cover at fly-half unless of course Deano has got someone lined we are yet to hear about, fingers crossed.

It has also been announced that Guy Manson-Bishop and Jim Naylor are not to feature in next season's squad. Other departures are Paul Gustard to London Irish and Richard Cockerill to Montferrand. There have also been rumours about Jamie Hamilton going to Biarritz as well as English clubs showing an interest Adam Balding and Leon Lloyd.

However, a spokesman for the club said "I can definitely say that Leon Lloyd is not going anywhere. He is definitely staying. He has signed a new contract, though we are not willing to disclose the details of this. Dean Richards never likes to discuss lengths of contracts." Apparently Leon was close to a move to Quins after a disappointing season but Deano talked Leon round with a pint of lime and lemonade and he has signed a new three-year contract. Adam Balding has also been offered a contract and has indicated that he will also be staying at the club. Both Leon and Adam are going to Argentina with the England squad.

The club are reported to have said that they do not anticipate any more departures and that all the signings will be wrapped up by the end of next week. So who will be joining us?

Tigers have been linked with many a tighthead prop recently, some of the names being bandied about are Alessio Galasso, Mauricio Reggiardo and of course Franck Tournaire who we seem to have been linked with all season. It seems that the deal with Tournaire may have been completed but Leicester are yet to make any formal announcement. The 29 year old prop was reported to be joining Bath a few weeks ago but they are now being linked with Alessio Galasso so who knows, I'm sure we will find out soon enough.

The other major signing is that of Gareth Raynor the 24 year old former postman who currently plays rugby league for Hull FC. He has announced that he is unwillingly turning his back on league in search of more money. He is yet to receive any international recognition in league but is thought by many to be the next Jason Robinson, we will have to wait till about November to find out though as he will be seeing out his Super League contract before joining us. The signing of Raynor has yet to be officially announced by Tigers.

Other than those two it has been pretty quiet in the arrivals lounge although it has been announced that Sam Vesty the Tigers U21 fly-half will join the first team squad for pre-season training along with Michael Holford (prop) and Adam Billig (centre, wing, full-back).