Brett Deacon to leave Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers flanker Brett Deacon is to quit the club after seven years to play for Gloucester.
The 27-year-old, who made his debut in 2003, signed a contract to play for the Cherry and Whites on Wednesday.
The move is no surprise because Deacon, younger brother of Tigers captain Louis, has been frustrated at being on the fringes of the team in recent years.
Deacon, who came through the Tigers' youth system after playing for Wigston and Syston, has made 114 appearances in seven seasons, but only 73 starts.
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Richard Cockerill, Tigers' head coach, said: "Brett wants to play rugby. He has been a great servant to us and we wanted to keep him. But he wants to be first choice somewhere else.
"That is credit to him. We can't guarantee him anything in terms of playing time."
Deacon, who will join Gloucester next season, is the second player this week to announce his departure.
Centre Aaron Mauger is heading back to New Zealand at the end of the season, which will free up a considerable sum of money in Tigers' budget.
Cockerill, however, says Mauger will not be replaced and the money will be spent on strengthening the squad.
Tigers will look to the likes of Anthony Allen, Sam Vesty and Billy Twelvetrees to fill the boots of a player who added real class to Tigers' back-line.
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