Lion Tim Stimpson has vowed to make up for lost time after quitting English champions Newcastle and joining their Premiership rivals Leicester.

Stimpson, who has agreed a threeyear deal with the Tigers, admitted the last seven months of his rugby life had proved "very frustrating".

While Newcastle's Premiership title challenge gathered pace, Stimpson (24), was left in the starting blocks due to a contractual dispute which saw him start just two league games all season.

The Falcons sidelined and transfer-listed him when he rejected a contract extension at Kingston Park last October, effectively putting his burgeoning career on hold.

"I have been out in the wilderness," said the full back, who has been capped six times for England.

"It has proved a very frustrating experience not playing regularly. At times the whole situation was quite bleak because I thought that I could have added something to Newcastle's league and cup performances.

"There were times when I even felt a bit of an outsider, although I was delighted when Newcastle won the title yesterday. There are no hard feelings."

Stimpson, top scorer on last summer's Lions tour to South Africa with 111 points, has ended intense speculation about his playing future by moving to Welford Road.

Stimpson will contest the Leicester full back berth with South African Michael Horak next term after enduring a miserable campaign at Kingston Park.