Leicester Tigers have announced that England international lock Ollie Chessum has signed a new contract with the club.
The 24-year-old, who has made 60 appearances for Leicester since rejoining the club in 2020, was part of the Tigers’ Gallagher Premiership-winning side in 2022, starting in the second row during the final.
Chessum was one of 17 England players that were awarded hybrid contracts earlier this year by the RFU, a move which effectively tops up their salary by as much as £160,000 per season.
Lifelong Tigers supporter Chessum began his rugby journey in the club’s academy before moving to Nottingham in the Championship. The 6’7, 118kg second row returned to Leicester in 2020, making his senior debut against Gloucester in August that year.
The England lock earned his first international cap against Italy during the 2022 Six Nations and recovered from injury in 2023 to play a key role in England’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
Chessum captained Leicester for the first time in this season’s opening fixture against Exeter but is currently sidelined due to an injury sustained in international camp ahead of the Autumn Internationals.
“I’m very pleased to know my future is here at Leicester Tigers,” said Cheesum in a club statement this afternoon.
“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.
“I’ve tasted what success feels like at Leicester and 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.”
