Leicester hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini to join Toulouse

Leicester hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini will leave Welford Road at the end of the season to join Toulouse.

The Italy international has signed a three-year contract with the French club, starting from next season.

Toulouse sporting director Fabien Pelous said: "It's deeply satisfying to sign a hooker at the height of his capabilities. He gives his all, has the experience and is great in the scrum."

Ghiraldini, 30, who has 80 international caps and three World Cup campaigns under his belt, will play out the season at Leicester.

He will join other recruits at Toulouse in Scotland lock Richie Gray, who is moving from Castres, and French full-back Sofiane Guitoune, currently at Bordeaux.