Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Leicester Tigers centre Vereniki Goneva has signed a new contract.

The former Fiji international, 30, has scored 18 tries in 37 appearances since he joined the Tigers in the summer of 2012 and was named Premiership Player of the Month in February. external-link

He was the subject of an offer from French Top 14 side Castres, but will now remain in the English Premiership.

"I'm very happy to stay with Leicester Tigers," Goneva told the club's official website. external-link

"The club, the players and the supporters have been very good to me since I came here."

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Niki has become a very important player for us. He has been playing the best rugby of his career this season and we believe this environment will help him to be the best he can possibly be."

Goneva, who won 29 caps for Fiji, joined Tigers after three years with Tarbes in France.

The club have not confirmed the length of his new contract.