Leicester Tigers sign France prop Jerome Schuster

Leicester Tigers have signed France international prop Jerome Schuster to replace Martin Castrogiovanni, who is being released from his contract.

The 27-year-old, who has two caps, will join from French Top 14 side Perpignan where he made 116 appearances in eight seasons.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said the versatile forward will boost his options next season.

"He has pedigree and ability," he told BBC Radio Leicester.

"He can play both sides of the scrum. He is also going to be around all year which is will be very useful.

"Hopefully in this environment, he will go from strength-to-strength."

Schuster is Leicester's seventh signing ahead of next season following Sebastian De Chaves from Mont-de-Marsan, fly-halves Owen Williams (Scarlets) and Ryan Lamb (Northampton), winger Gonzalo Camacho from Exeter, flanker Jamie Gibson from London Irish and hooker Neil Briggs from London Welsh.

Italy prop Castrogiovanni, 31 will leave the Tigers at the end of the season after seven years at Welford Road.