Freddie Burns, Leicester’s match-winner in final season’s Premiership closing, will go away the membership in February to hitch New Zealand-based Highlanders.

Leicester mentioned they’d agreed for the previous England worldwide, 32, to be launched early from his contract.

“At this stage in my profession, the chance was one I noticed as too good to show down,” mentioned Burns.

Burns has made 114 appearances in two spells with Leicester, initially becoming a member of in 2014 from Gloucester and leaving for Tub three years later.

After time taking part in in Japan, he returned to Welford Street in the summertime of 2021, with the spotlight of his second stint with Tigers being the drop-goal that ended Leicester’s nine-year look forward to a league title.

Burns added: “My return to this membership was unbelievable – to be part of a gaggle like this with gamers who’re so tight and dedicated to 1 one other.

“The best way it has performed out exceeded something I may have dreamed of occurring.

“To have had the moments we’ve had collectively previously few seasons, not simply the ultimate win, has been like a dream and one thing I’ll by no means, ever neglect.”