Leicester Tigers confirm Deni Ross has joined the club ahead of the new season

Deni Ross has joined Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The lock joins the club from Queensland Reds, having been instrumental in the club reaching the Super Rugby Women’s Final, where they narrowly lost out to six-time champions NSW Waratahs.

Ross is a contracted Wallaroo but is yet to make her international debut for her country

Asked about the signing of Ross, Tigers coach Fraser Goatcher said: “We’re delighted to welcome Deni to the club.

“She is another standout from Super Rugby Women’s and we’ve seen her enjoy an exceptional season for the Reds.

“We believe Deni has a high ceiling in this game and we can’t wait to see her continue her upward trajectory in Leicester.”

Ross joins fellow newbies Grace Deane and Lucy Weaver who joined the club on Thursday.

Both Deane and Weaver join from Loughborough Lightning, after studying at the University.

Grace is an all-rounder of a centre and has also played at Cheltenham Tigers and at Bury St Edmunds.

Lucy, meanwhile, is a classic sniping scrum-half who made 17 appearances for Lightning and also has extensive 7s experience.

On the signing of the pair, Goatcher said: “Welcome to Leicester Grace and Lucy!

“Both exemplify our approach for this year – hard-working, talented young players with bags of potential who we believe can have high ceilings in Premiership Women’s Rugby.”    

Tuesday’s announcement saw Jordan Russell commit to the club ahead of the new season.

The flanker, who can also cover hooker, joined the club last summer from Gloucester-Hartpury after coming through their pathway system.

The 22-year-old made 14 appearances in her debut campaign for Tigers and will be bringing her physicality on both sides of the ball back to Mattioli Woods Welford Road.