English club Leicester Tigers have confirmed the departure of Springbok loose forward Jasper Wiese at the end of the season.
The powerful No 8 joined the club in 2020 from the Free State Cheetahs, becoming an instant fan favourite, and added World Cup winner to his CV during his tenure at Welford Road.
Man of the Match in the 2021-22 Premiership final win against Saracens, Tigers stated that Wiese will continue his career overseas, and has been strongly linked with a big-money move to Top 14 outfit Stade Francais.
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the club and will continue to give my all for my team and my teammates,” the 28-year-old said.
“This is a special place for me and my family, and we have a lot more memories to create this season.”
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Leicester general manager Richard Wilks added: “We’re immensely proud of Jasper and the player and person he’s become at Leicester Tigers. Jasper joined us as a relatively unknown back rower from the Cheetahs and will leave us a 27-times-capped Springbok and a Rugby World Cup winner. This is testament to the hard work by Jasper but also the coaches and staff at Tigers who deserve huge credit.”
“Jasper is a popular member of our group, and we’ll miss him at the club, but the nature of professional sport and our global game means players grow and seek new opportunities and he’ll leave us with our best wishes and he and his family will always be welcome at the club.
“Our squad is in a healthy place for beyond this season and our focus, and Jasper’s, is on making this a special year for Leicester Tigers.”
Leicester Tigers have confirmed number eight Jasper Wiese will finish up his time with the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.
ℹ️ https://t.co/yNPXSU3Zf5 pic.twitter.com/2E8eUTohyg
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 14, 2023
👊🏽 A guy that will empty the tank for us, Tigers Family.
More rugby, more memories to come this season. pic.twitter.com/nsJayykVCv
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 14, 2023
Photo: @LeicesterTigers/Twitter