Tigers in the hunt to secure Mauger

The New Zealand centre Aaron Mauger is being courted by Leicester, according to the player's agent.

Lou Thompson said the Canterbury and Crusaders player could look to move to Europe after next year's World Cup before returning home in time for the 2011 event, which will be hosted in New Zealand.

Mauger is vastly experienced for a 25-year-old, having won his first cap as a teenager in 2001. He has now played 36 Tests for the All Blacks. He also holds a French passport, which is an added bonus in terms of any potential move to England.

Thompson said: "It's very much a work in progress. Leicester have expressed an interest and we know that a number of other clubs are interested in talking to Aaron because he is playing very good football. But he will only be 26 after the next World Cup. He might be able to squeeze through to another World Cup. He might want to sign an extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union. He's not ready to make any decisions.

"For the player, it would be better to wait until after the World Cup, but in terms of the clubs' planning they would want to get things done earlier, in February or March next year."