Leicester Tigers statement: Two players depart club

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that two players – Tom Horton and Lachlan Shelley – have left Welford Road.

Horton, who was signed on a short-term contract ahead of the 2022/23 season, made four appearances for the club and scored four tries.

Shelley joined in the summer and the club have agreed an early release from his contract so that the outside-back can return to Australia. The 22-year-old made just three appearances for the club.

Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “I want to thank them both for their contribution to Leicester Tigers during their time at the club.”

“While short stays, their professionalism and effort – on and off the field – has been of great value to the club.

“On behalf of everybody at the club, I wish them well in their next chapters,” concluded Borthwick.

The pair join Bryce Hegarty and Nemani Nadolo in having departed the club in the middle of the season.

All eyes are currently on the club and the future of Borthwick, who is an unbackable favourite to be announced as England head coach following the departure of Eddie Jones.

Borthwick is highly regarded in the rugby world for his knowledge of the game and his ability to develop players, and it is thought that he would be a strong candidate for the role. However, at the time of writing, no official announcement has been made about Borthwick’s appointment as head coach.

During his tenure, Jones led the team to the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup but his time as head coach was not without controversy. The team struggled in the 2020 Six Nations Championship and Jones faced criticism for his handling of player injuries and his team selection. Last week it was announced that Jones had been dismissed from his role one year out from the Rugby World Cup.