Joining Tigers is 'perfect timing' for me - Searle

FLY-HALF MADE FIRST START IN HOME WIN OVER HARLEQUINS

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BILLY Searle has described his return to English rugby with Leicester Tigers as "perfect timing" and wants to make the club his long-term home.

The 29-year-old headed for France after the collapse of Worcester Warriors in 2022, featuring for Toulouse, Biarritz and Agen before signing for Tigers this summer.

And he made an immediate impact on his PREM debut, controlling the second half surge that ensured a 29-19 home victory over Harlequins, who had led 19-0 early in the second half.

Will Wand's second try two minutes from time secured a welcome bonus point.

Both Wand's assists came from Searle, whose post-match numbers showed a high passing accuracy as well as turnovers won.

Searle's first PREM appearance for Tigers came in tense circumstances.