Bristol Bears have allowed scrum half Tom Whiteley to join Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers five months ahead of schedule with director of rugby Pat Lam insisting he has enough cover in the position.
Whiteley was set to make the move to Welford Road at the end of this season when his contract at Ashton Gate expires but with Harry Randall having made a successful return from injury plus Andy Uren, Will Porter and Oscar Lennon also in their ranks, Lam has been able to clear some salary space.
The 27-year-old has made four Premiership appearances for the Bears this season, with his last against London Irish on January 8, but only one as a starter and has a solitary game in the Challenge Cup.
