Gabriel Hamer-Webb had put himself in contention to tour Japan with Wales following a strong end to the season
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Welsh-qualified winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb following his departure from Cardiff last month.
The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, had put himself into contention for the summer tour of Japan with a strong end to the season at the Arms Park – including a hat-trick against the Ospreys at Judgement Day. However, he wasn’t included in Matt Sherratt’s squad for the two-Test tour.
The Blue and Blacks had been hopeful of keeping hold of the former England U20s wing, but his departure from the Welsh capital was announced in May.
And now, beaten Gallagher Premiership finalists Leicester have confirmed they have signed Hamer-Webb ahead of next season.
“I’m really excited about joining the Tigers,” said Hamer-Webb. “The group is littered with brilliant players, and I intend to add to that next season, I’ve played alongside the likes of Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward already and looking forward to building on that connection again.
“I see massive potential with Leicester Tigers to go on and do great things in the league and Europe.” Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
He added: “It is an incredible place to play, having played there against Leicester Tigers before I know how passionate the fans are, and hope I can give them lots of reasons to make some noise.”
Hamer-Webb had joined Cardiff from Bath on a short-term contract during the 2023-24 season, before eventually signing a permanent deal with the club.
After his departure was announced last month, Hamer-Webb thanked the club “for the opportunity to represent the city that means so much to my family”.
“Most importantly I’d like to thank my team-mates and the fans for the many memories I am leaving with,” he added.
Hamer-Webb joins Leicester amid a time of monumental change for the Tigers.
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika decided to not stay for a second season, with former England and Lions second-row Geoff Parling replacing him.
Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw is set to join the coaching staff at the Welford Road club.
Speaking about the signing of Hamer-Webb, Leicester general manager Richard Wilks said: “Gabriel is an exceptional athlete who adds important competition to our outside backs next season.
“He’s powerful, fast and, as we’ve seen for Cardiff recently, a very strong finisher.
“We identified him a while ago as a potential Leicester Tigers player and, since then, his game has gone from strength to strength, so it’s exciting that we will be bringing him in on the back of that kind of form to build on further under Geoff Parling.
“He’s keen to show what he is capable of at this level, as well as being determined to bring further success to this club which is a great sign and excites us all ahead of his arrival.”
