Leicester Tigers facing 'hefty' battle to keep Ollie Chessum

According to Mail Online, extending Chessum’s contract has become a priority for Leicester, with the England lock now an increasingly important figure both on and off the pitch.

The 38-cap international is regarded as a potential future captain of England and is therefore in a strong position to command a significant pay rise.

Leicester can also ill-afford to lose another key enforcer after George Martin departed for Saracens last summer.

Martin is set to link up with fellow England lock and current captain Maro Itoje at Saracens after leaving his boyhood club. His departure was confirmed while he was recovering from the injury that kept him out for more than a year, from spring 2025 until 2026.

Chessum, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as one of the biggest leaders within the Leicester squad.

He was appointed club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, replacing long-serving hooker Julian Montoya in the role.

The lock is also believed to have become Leicester's marquee player following the departure of Springbok fly-half Handre Pollard.

However, his current contract may not reflect some of the higher marquee salaries being commanded across the game in recent years.

Chessum last signed a new deal with Leicester in December 2024, although the length of that contract was never publicly confirmed.

With increased investment continuing to flow into PREM Rugby, player salaries are rising, meaning a new agreement for Chessum could be worth a significant sum.

While other players may attract more attention with moments of flair, Chessum’s consistency, physicality and relentless work rate have made him increasingly difficult to replace.

His selection for all three British & Irish Lions Tests this summer further underlined his standing at the highest level.

In many ways, Chessum represents everything Leicester Tigers have traditionally stood for. There is little fuss, just high-level rugby, physicality and an unwavering commitment to the cause.

He is also one of several key players Geoff Parling is reportedly looking to retain, with Jack van Poortvliet, Billy Searle, Joaquin Moro and Ollie Hassell-Collins also believed to be involved in contract negotiations with the club.