Exeter Chiefs register former Leicesters Tigers back Tom Hardwick to Heineken Champions Cup squad

Former Leicester Tigers back Tom Hardwick has been registered to play Heineken Champions Cup rugby for Exeter Chiefs.

The former England U20 international made his senior Tigers debut in 2017 and would make 32 appearances for the club. After six months out of action, Hardwick's release was confrimed in March 2021 in an official club statement that was just 45 words long.

A few months later, he was revealed as a new signing by French third division club Albi.

However, ladepeche.fr reported earlier this month that the deal had been terminated.

The French publication claimed Hardwick had suffered from 'homesickness' and hadn't appeared for them since mid-November.

Now it appears the 23-year-old has been handed an unexpected route back into the top flight of English rugby.

Ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup resuming on the weekend of April 8, 9, 10, Hardwick has been registered by Exeter Chiefs - who face Munster in the two-legged round of 16 clash.

Leicester Tigers have added Chris Ashton and Sean Jansen to their squad ahead of a double header against Clermont.

The full list of players added by clubs for the remainder of the tournament is as followed...

Richard Lane (full back), Jonathan Benz-Salomon (prop), Max Green (scrum half)

Tom Hardwick (outside half)

Rhys Litterick (prop), Nathan Jibulu (hooker)

Chris Ashton (wing), Sean Jansen (back row)

Thomas Connolly (prop), Rory McGuire (prop), Charlie Tector (outside half)

Alex McHenry (centre)

Kavekini Tabu (back row)

Ruben Maka (scrum half)

Shea O’Brien (full back)

Jules Gimbert (scrum half), Christophe Kaiser (scrum half), Maama Vaipulu (back row)