Cronin among Tigers players to be released

James Cronin earned the last of his three caps for Ireland in 2016

Former Ireland prop James Cronin is leaving Leicester Tigers at the end of the season to take up a coaching job in his home county of Cork.

The 34-year-old made 47 appearances in three years for Tigers after arriving from French side Biarritz in the summer of 2022.

He is set to move into coaching with Irish lower-league side Highfield from next season.

The front-rower has featured 11 times off the bench for Michael Cheika's Tigers this season, with his only starts coming in the European Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup competitions.

Cronin's impending departure comes with confirmation that captain Julian Montoya, who confirmed earlier this month that he will move on at the end of the season, is also among those leaving in the summer.

Back-rower Matt Rogerson, who has been linked with reformed club Worcester, as well as Kyle Hatherell, Tim Hoyt, Matt Rogerson and Archie Vanes will also be released.

Earlier on Tuesday, Tigers also announced that former England full-back Mike Brown will retire at the end of the season.

He is the latest big name Leicester will bid farewell to, with five-time Premiership winning scrum-half Ben Youngs also hanging up his boots, while two-time World Cup winning fly-half Handre Pollard will return to South Africa to play for Bulls.