Leicester Tigers sign Australian flanker Julian Salvi

(GETTY IMAGES)

Leicester Tigers have signed Australian openside flanker Julian Salvi from Super 15 side Brumbies.

The 25-year-old will move to Welford Road for the new Aviva Premiership season after the club was given an injury dispensation following the news Craig Newby is likely to miss the opening months of the campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

Salvi made more than 50 appearances for the Brumbies in two spells either side of a season in the Premiership with Bath.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "We're delighted that Julian has agreed to join us. He enjoyed a very good season in England a couple of years ago and has been a major performer in Australia too.

"Losing a player of Craig Newby's influence and experience is a blow to the squad, especially during a World Cup year when we are likely to be without a number of senior players.

"But we see Julian as a very good addition to the squad. He will join us by the end of July and his previous experience in this country should allow him to fit in pretty quickly."

A former Australia Schools and under-21s captain, Salvi has also represented Australia 'A' in two IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaigns.