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.
With Randall back in the squad as the starting No9 and Uren having returned from injury, Bears have their first and second-choice playmakers in the matchday squad, while Porter - who is joining Harlequins next season - and Lennon provide further cover.
“Tom has been a very popular member of the squad and we’re grateful for his contribution to Bristol Bears on and off the field during his time with us,” Lam said.
“With Tom already having agreed to join up with Tigers from the start of next season, and the opportunity arising there for a scrum half following Six Nations call-ups, the request came in to take him with immediate effect and we wanted to give Tom the opportunity to make the move early.
“With Harry Randall back from injury, Will Porter returning very soon and Andy Uren and Oscar Lennon in our ranks, we’re pleased to be able to give Tom the opportunity for some game time in the Premiership. We wish him all the best for the next chapter at Welford Road.”
Whiteley has made the move as Leicester are set to be short in the position during the Six Nations with Ben Youngs and Jack van Poortvliet called up by England. He’s the second scrum half signed by Richard Wigglesworth after he replaced Steve Borthwick on an interim bases as Sam Wostenholme has also arrived on a short-term contract.
Former Millfield School pupil Whiteley joined the Bears in 2021 from Saracens and has made 15 appearances for the club, in all competitions. He will begin training with Leicester this week and could make his debut in the weekend clash against Northampton.
“I have really enjoyed the past 18 months at Bristol and feel I have grown as a player and a person. Bears is that kind of club, with that kind of culture,” Whiteley said.
“I would like to thank all my teammates, and Pat and all the staff, for everything they have done for me. I am also very grateful to the club for allowing me to grasp this opportunity at Leicester.”
