Leicester Tigers have announced the signings of two new players as they try to build on a disappointing 2014-15 campaign.

Hooker Greg Bateman joins from Exeter Chiefs, while Jono Kitto arrives from Waikato Chiefs to provide cover for Ben Youngs.

Bateman, 26, arrives at Welford Road after making just two starts in two seasons for Exeter.

Richard Cockerill, Leicester's director of rugby, said: "Greg knows we have a very competitive group of front-rowers at this club, but he says he wants to come here and develop and test himself in that company.

"He has already gained useful Aviva Premiership experience and we look forward to his arrival this summer."

Kitto and Bateman join Opeti Fonua, Peter Betham, Mike Williams, Brendon O'Connor, Mike Fitzgerald and Lachlan McCaffrey as new Leicester signings, as the club looks to rebuild following the loss of 17 players to other teams or retirement.