British and Irish Lions

Buckland has made 21 first-team appearances this term, including 11 starts, but will now move from Welford Road.

Leicester head coach Pat Howard said: "We are disappointed that a player who has been at the club for a number of years is leaving us. We wish him all the best for his future career."

Buckland, 25, joined Tigers from Northampton in 2002, and was capped at England Under-21 level before featuring for the Saxons in last summer's Churchill Cup.

Michael Hooper believes the British & Irish Lions' defeat to the Brumbies has given the Qantas Wallabies a boost ahead of Saturday's first Test in Brisbane.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.