Leicester Tigers are continuing to bolster their squad in time for the tenth season of the Heineken Cup.

The two-times European champions have signed scrum-half Scott Bemand from Parker Pen Challenge Cup holders NEC Harlequins, with the 25-year-old bolstering their halfback resources ahead of next season.

Tigers head coach John Wells said: 'We've got Harry Ellis, who had a superb season last year and is now knocking on the door for England honours. We've also got Alex Wright, who is a young lad coming through the system, and we believe that he will come through very well in time.

'But obviously with losing Tom Tierney we didn't have a third scrum-half and as we found out last season you need three quality No.9s and we think Scott is one of those guys that's got a massive amount of enthusiasm and desire for the game.'

Bemand has expressed his excitement at the prospect of joining up with Leicester and their incredible support base at Welford Road.

'It's one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so the opportunity to come here was fantastic,' he said.

'I've played at Welford Road a few times with Harlequins and we've always had life made incredibly hard for us. The support that Leicester enjoys is second to none, certainly in Britain and, in fact, probably the world, and playing in front of nearly 17,000 people every week is a big factor.

'Leicester is a rugby city through and through, and I've always wanted to be involved with a club like that.'

Bemand signed for NEC Harlequins in the summer of 2001, and went on to make 30 Premiership appearances for the club, scoring two tries - one on his Premiership debut against Bristol at the Stoop. His last game for Quins was the Parker Pen Cup Final in May when he helped the team to a dramatic 27-26 win over French club Montferrand.