Corne Beets: Leicester Tigers sign South African number eight

Corne Beets (left) playing against Ireland at last year's U20 World Championship

Leicester Tigers have signed South African number eight Corne Beets on a "long-term deal".

He is the junior Springbok player of the year and scored a try against England in the third-place game at last year's Under-20 World Championship.

Beets will link up with the Tigers in time for the start of next season.

"The incredible opportunity to become a member of the prestigious Leicester Tigers family excites me," the 20-year-old told the club website.

"It is an honour and a privilege to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to this legendary club, and I am eager to take on the challenges that lie ahead while creating lifelong memories with my team-mates and the amazing Leicester Tigers supporters."

Beets previously played schools rugby for Paarl Gymnasium, where Leicester fly-half Handre Pollard was also once a former pupil.

"Watching him play, he looks like a Leicester Tigers player," said head coach Dan McKellar.

"He's tough, he's physical and has a really high work rate and those are characteristics that you want to see in a young player and from our conversations, he's certainly got the right character to thrive at this club so we're excited to welcome him to the group."