Leicester Tigers have looked to strengthen their squad for the 2023/24 Premiership season by confirming not one but FOUR new signings.
Yesterday, England internationals Dan Cole and Dan Kelly are among five Leicester Tigers to sign new contracts.
Prop Cole, 35, and 21-year-old centre Kelly have committed to Tigers a week after former Leicester boss Steve Borthwick called them up to the England squad for the Six Nations.
Hooker Charlie Clare, 31, prop Dan Richardson, 26, and back Harry Simmons, 25, have also penned new deals.
However, Leicester also bolstered their ranks by signing four players for next season.
Leicester new signings:
FINN THEOBALD-THOMAS
The 19-year-old will join Tigers from Gloucester Rugby, who he joined midway through the current campaign from Worcester Warriors.
Theobald-Thomas played academy rugby for Worcester, who he made his senior debut for in a Premiership Rugby Cup fixture in 2021.
The hooker represented England at age-grade levels and was selected in the England Under-20s squad ahead of the 2023 Under-20s Six Nations.
Speaking about the addition of Theobold-Thomas, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Finn is a young man with a bright future in the game and we are pleased that will be at Leicester Tigers.”
“He has had good exposure to senior rugby at a young age and we are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player as part of Leicester Tigers.
“Finn is getting great experience as part of the England Under-20s squad this year, which will strengthen his game ahead of joining us in the summer and only continue to improve while working under the guidance of Tom Harrison.”
JAMIE SHILLCOCK
The 25-year-old will join Tigers from Mitsubishi DynaBoars in Japan.
Shillcock previously played for Worcester Warriors and spent a short stint with Bath Rugby and has represented England at age-grade level.
The versatile back made his senior debut for Worcester as a 17-year-old in 2015 and made almost a century of appearances for the club before joining Bath.
Speaking about the addition of Shillcock, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “We are very excited about Jamie joining us next season and seeing what he brings to Leicester Tigers.”
“He has played a lot of rugby for a young man and offers great versatility, through the backline, as well as being a goal-kicking option.
“At only 25, Jamie has shown great maturity during a very tough season on and off the field and is as much the person we want at Leicester Tigers as he is the player.”
KYLE HATHERELL
The 27-year-old will join Tigers from La Rochelle, who he joined midway through the current campaign from Worcester Warriors.
Hatherell was born in South Africa and played his age-grade rugby for The Sharks in Durban before playing for Scottish club Marr RFC ahead of joining Jersey Reds in 2018.
The versatile forward, capable of playing in at lock and in the back-row, spent three seasons in Jersey before joining Worcester ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Speaking about the addition of Hatherell, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “Kyle is an exciting addition to the Leicester Tigers forward pack for next season.”
“He is a tough, physical and abrasive player of which we want in our side and are confident he will continue to improve as a player at Leicester Tigers.
“Kyle understands the way the game is played in the Premiership and has now added the experience of French rugby this season, which will only add to his game and growth as a player here at Tigers.
Discussing the move to Leicester Tigers, Hatherell said: “I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Leicester Tigers. It is a club that I have always admired.”
JOSH BASSETT
The 30-year-old will join Tigers from Harlequins, who he joined midway through the current campaign from Wasps.
Bassett played his junior rugby for Ampthill before moving to Bedford Blues ahead of the 2011/12 campaign.
The outside-back was selected for England Under-20s in 2012.
In 2013, he joined Wasps and made more than a century of appearances for the club before joining Harlequins in 2022.
Speaking about the addition of Bassett, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Josh to Leicester Tigers next season.”
“He is a prolific try-scorer, hard-working player who offers plenty in defence out wide. He adds great competition to our outside-backs.
“Josh is a highly respected player and experienced in the game, which will be of great value to our young group.”
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