England international utility back Mathew Tait has completed his move from the Sale Sharks to the Leicester Tigers.

The 25-year-old Tait has already played more than 150 first-team games in eight seasons in club rugby, starting at Newcastle Falcons before moving to Sale Sharks.

Capped 38 times by England, Tait has played at wing and fullback as well as at centre, and is now looking to make an impact at Welford Road.

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "We think Mathew is an excellent addition to the squad. He has gained a lot of experience for a player who is just 25 years old and he has played at the highest level, including the World Cup Final in 2007.

"But he is still young, he is still ambitious and he wants to challenge himself here," added Cockerill

Durham-born Tait made his senior debut for Newcastle Falcons in 2004 and gained his first England cap as an 18-year-old during the 2005 Six Nations. He then moved to Sale Sharks in 2008 and gained his most recent England cap in Australia last summer.

Tait said: "The move to Leicester Tigers gives me a great opportunity to continue my development as a player and I know there is still a lot to come in my career.

"I've enjoyed some great times in the game already and I still have ambitions and goals to achieve in rugby. There is a superb set-up at Leicester and a very competitive squad. I'm looking forward to trying to establish myself in the team here," he added.