Leicester confirm late deals for 7 players, including 2 England stars

Leicester Tigers have this evening confirmed late deals for seven players – including England lock Ollie Chessum and centre Guy Porter.

It had been speculated that Chessum might leave the club as the breakout international forward bid to negotiate a deal with the Welford Road club that reflected his new standing as a Test player.

The 21-year-old returned to Tigers in 2020 from RFU Championship side Nottingham after previous experience as part of the club’s academy programme.

Capable of playing at lock and across the back-row, Chessum has quickly established himself as a fan favourite among Leicester Tigers supporters in two years at the club, making 31 appearances.

The 6’7, 118kg forward earned a full senior international call-up during the 2022 Six Nations and made his Test debut away to Italy.

There will be a sigh of relief in the Midlands as Chessum along with Will Hurd, Los Puma’s hooker Julián Montoya, rookie England centre Guy Porter, Harry Wells and James Whitcombe all signed new contracts with the club beyond the 2022/23 season.

There’s also a contract for Chessum’s brother, Lewis, who has signed a new academy deal.

Worryingly for Leicester fans there is no mention of England fullback Freddie Steward – who is not among the seven. Steward has returned from international duty in Australia with Eddie Jones’ England and is training with the squad, but his future currently remains less than clear on the contract front.

Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “It is incredibly pleasing to be able to announce these new deals with all seven of these players.”

“Each of these young men has worked incredibly hard for the club and been integral to what we are building at Leicester Tigers.

“Their new deals are the reward for their efforts and commitment to Tigers, to their teammates and to our supporters.

“I feel privileged to be able to continue to be a part of their journey as players and am excited that they will continue them as part of Leicester Tigers.”