Key England international Ollie Chessum has committed his future to Premiership club Leicester Tigers with a new contract extension.
The versatile forward, who can play both lock and flanker, has also recently signed one of just 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts.
Ollie Chessum pens new deal with Leicester Tigers
Chessum, a boyhood Leicester Tigers fan, spent time in the Leicester Tigers academy during his youth before joining Championship outfit Nottingham. After impressing in the second-tier, he returned to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in 2020, the same year he made his senior Tigers debut.
Commenting on the new deal, Chessum said: “I’m very pleased to know my future is here at Leicester Tigers.
“This is my home. I’ve loved the club my whole life, I’m surrounded by good mates and come to work an environment that demands high standards and work ethic every day. That’s perfect for me at this stage of my career.”
The forward has since established himself as a crucial part of the Leicester pack, and has gone onto make 60 appearances for the club and has also skippered the side in the absence of regular captain Julian Montoya. During his time at the Tigers, Chessum has also won a Premiership title.
“I’ve tasted what success feels like at Leicester,” he continued. “I’ll give everything I have to the team to make sure we get back there again.”
Leicester Tigers head coach, Michael Cheika, added: “It’s really important for the club to have Ollie signed on for the future.
“Ollie is 24, home grown, has Leicester Tigers in his blood and is a high-quality player. He has been introduced to a leadership role within the team earlier this season and showed good skills given the opportunity. I’m very happy he will be part of the club these coming seasons.”
Chessum made his England debut against Italy in 2022 and has gone onto become a regular feature in Steve Borthwick’s side since, including at the World Cup last year. He has had his injury issues though, and missed the Autumn Nations Series with a knee injury.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/this-is-my-home-key-england-international-confirms-playing-future-after-receiving-enhanced-eps-deal