Long-serving New Zealand domestic No 8 Thomas Waldrom has reportedly signed to play for leading English club Leicester.
Hawke's Bay Today reported that Waldrom, 26, would leave for England at the end of his Super 14 season with the Crusaders, meaning he won't play a second season with Hawke's Bay in the national provincial championship.
Waldrom played 80 matches for Wellington before shifting to Hawke's Bay last year, while his Super rugby allegiances also switched last year, from the Hurricanes to the Crusaders.
A regular bench player at the Hurricanes, the move south brought regular playing time for the burly loose forward, who produced a storming season for the Crusaders.
Hawke's Bay have recently lost two other key players to overseas contracts - first five-eighth Matt Berquist (Japan) and forward George Naoupu (Ireland).
At least two other Crusaders will also depart after this season -- hooker Ti'i Paulo (France) and second five-eighth Tim Bateman (Japan).
