Leicester sign Tomas Leonardi as cover for injured Mike Williams

Leicester have signed Argentina international flanker Tomas Leonardi in an effort to strengthen their back-row options after England hopeful Mike Williams broke an arm.

Williams, who had been tipped for an England place in this season's autumn Tests, could be sidelined for three months following an injury suffered during the warm-up for Tigers' Aviva Premiership game against Worcester last Saturday.

Leonardi, who won the last of his 18 caps in 2013, joins from Japanese Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves and has also had playing spells in Scotland, France and South Africa.

He has been recruited in time to be registered for this season's European Champions Cup, which Leicester launch with an away game against Glasgow on Friday.

Leicester rugby director Richard Cockerill said: "Tomas has a lot of international experience.

Watch NOW TV

Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.

"He played for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, he has been at Edinburgh and Toulouse, so he has European experience.

"In the light of Mike Williams' injury, we wanted to add some back-row cover."

You can watch Liverpool v Manchester United, plus loads more Premier League football, England's tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!