Leicester Tigers have signed Samoan international hooker Richie Asiata.

The 30-year-old has played more than 50 times in Super Rugby with Queensland Reds.

“This is a new opportunity for me on this side of the world,” Asiata told the club’s website, external.

“I spoke to James O’Connor, Ben Volavola and Izaia Perese, [and] they told me about the history of Leicester. The fans are unreal, it’s pretty crazy at home games.”

“I’m really happy to get involved, I can’t wait to get to know the boys, the fans and the culture,” he added.

Asiata is a former Australia Under-20 international who was born in New Zealand, but won his first two caps for Samoa earlier this year.

He is also in their squad for next month’s Nations Cup games.