Lewis Chessum quits Leicester for Japan, eyes 2025/26 Prem return

Former England U20s skipper Lewis Chessum is set to leave Leicester Tigers to move to Japan to join Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars on a contract until the end of the season before returning to the Gallagher Premiership.

The Boston-born 21-year-old, the younger brother of England and Leicester Tigers star Ollie, has made 12 appearances, all in the Premiership Cup, for the Welford Road side but they have agreed to release him from the rest of his contract.

Chessum has also played nine games for Nottingham, who are fourth in the Championship table, 15 points behind leaders Ealing Trailfinders, including three this season.

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Sagamihara are coached by Kiwi Glenn Delaney, who started his coaching career at Lady Bay. He has agreed on a short-term deal with 6ft 9in lock Chessum, who is having talks about moving to Exeter next season.

The Chiefs, who are next to bottom in the Premiership table, confirmed earlier on Tuesday that they are signing Wallaby back row Tom Hooper after he plays in the forthcoming 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with ACT Brumbies.

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Yokohama Canon Eagles

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Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars

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Under-fire boss Rob Baxter, who is also targeting at least one hooker, an outside centre, a tighthead and a scrum-half, is always keen to sign young players like Chessum, whom he feels can improve with coaching. One person who won’t enjoy watching him run out on the Sandy Park pitch will be mum Michelle, who has admitted to being a very nervous spectator.

“When I see them run out on the pitch, I still sit in the very same seat, and it is quite surreal. I am always very proud, but I am a very nervous spectator and don’t enjoy the suspense of the game and the anticipation of the result.

“I have all sorts of emotions as a rugby mum. It’s not always an enjoyable 80 minutes, but I absolutely love it when I see them come out and sing the anthem. I couldn’t be more proud,” she told The Lincolnite about the England age-grade pick who was a skipper at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

"The pandemic probably got me my first professional contract."

– Lewis Chessum, with Liam Heagney ???, on his giant physique, racing against Ollie, and being an England Junior World Championship skipper. #WorldRugbyU20s #ICYMI

Click below for more ?? https://t.co/7EryMOOBwn

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 25, 2023