Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Joe Thomas is joining a Leicester team that finished second from bottom of the Premiership last season

Welsh centre Joe Thomas has joined Premiership side Leicester Tigers for the start of the 2019-20 season.

The 23-year-old played for Dragons and Ospreys in Wales and, most recently, for New Zealand club Otorohanga.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to join Leicester Tigers. They are a massive club with a big history of success," said Thomas. external-link

Tigers have also signed 22-year-old Newcastle-born fly-half Johnny McPhillips from Ulster Rugby.

McPhillips said: external-link "I'm incredibly excited to be joining such a prestigious club like Leicester Tigers."

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy added: "Joe has a very good skill-set, he was highly rated on his way through the ranks in Wales and now he is keen to come in here and take on a new challenge with Leicester.

"Johnny was very well regarded as a young player in the Irish system and he has gained some good experience of senior rugby with Ulster."

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Tigers prop Joe Heyes has signed a new contract with Leicester. The club have not disclosed the length of the deal.