Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill says new signing Ben Gulliver will bring experience and quality to the second row.

The Coventry-born lock arrives at Welford Road on an initial three-month loan deal from Cornish Pirates which will keep him at the club up until November 30.

If the 30-year-old fits in and impresses Cockerill, there is a possibility that he will be offered an extended stay.

"Ben has lots of experience and has done well in the Championship," said Cockerill.

"He is a line-out leader who has played the game at a good level.

"He will provide us with a bit of extra cover in an area that we are a bit short in, and can step up if someone like George Skivington is unavailable for any reason.

"The three-month spell we have discussed with the Pirates means that we should have both Richard Blaze (broken foot) and Geoff Parling (neck surgery) back by the time that finishes. We will see how it goes."

Gulliver, along with fellow new second-row signing Steve Mafi, are both likely to make their Tigers debuts in the A League game against Northampton at Welford Road on Monday (7.30).

Pirates forwards coach Ian Davies said Gulliver's loan deal was done with their blessing.

He said: "We will never stand in the way of a player if a Premiership club comes calling, and this is a win-win (situation) for Ben because if he goes like a million dollars and makes it, that is brilliant.

"If not, we get a player back with Premiership experience."

Davies said he hoped the move would be the first step of a possible link-up with the Tigers in the future.

"We have been trying to establish links with a Premiership side for some time but without success," he said. "Leicester offered us an Academy player in return for Ben Gulliver which we have declined, but further down the line we may go knocking on their door."

Tickets for Tigers' game against Australia at Welford Road on Tuesday, November 9 have gone on general sale.

Special prices apply for season-ticket holders, from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors. These tickets must be purchased through the Tigers ticket office to receive the discount.

Contact the club on 0844 856 1880 or call in at Welford Road for further details.