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Rugby Union

Tigers sign veteran no. 9

22/08/2007

Leicester Tigers have bolstered their half-back options on the eve of the new Guinness Premiership season by completing the signing of veteran number nine Christophe Laussoucq.

The 34-year-old French scrum-half joins from Castres Olympique after impressing during a recent trial match against Nottingham at Welford Road on Saturday.

He has European experience, having played for Castres in last season's Heineken Cup and from a previous stint with Stade Fracais.

And the Tigers' acting head coach Richard Cockerill welcomed Laussoucq's arrival in the squad.

"It is no secret that we have been looking for some experienced competition for the scrum-half spot with Harry Ellis and Scott Bemand sidelined by injury for a decent length of time," he said.

"Christophe certainly has the experience gained at the top level in France.

"He did a decent job on Saturday after coming in at short notice and now we are looking for him to join the pre-season work, settle in quickly and join Frank Murphy and Ben Youngs in the frame for that number nine shirt."

First-choice scrum-half Ellis was expected to be away with England at the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

But he suffered knee ligament damage in last season's play-off semi-final against Bristol and has been ruled out until 2008 after undergoing reconstructive surgery on the joint.

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