Ollie Chessum pens new contract with Leicester Tigers, continues recovery ahead of Six Nations with England
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/16/image-4414b260-c386-47c6-af98-0a2675a5a091-68-310-310.jpeg)
Published 16/12/2024 at 17:30 GMT
React to this story
England lock Ollie Chessum has signed a new contract with 2022 Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester Tigers. The boyhood Tigers fan put pen to paper on an Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract with Steve Borthwick's England in October. The lock played no part in the Autumn Nations Series after sustaining a knee injury, and faces a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Six Nations.
'We couldn't handle it' - Savea points to 'silly mistakes' as New Zealand falter under pressure
Video credit: TNT Sports
England international Ollie Chessum has re-signed with Leicester Tigers as the lock continues his recovery from a knee injury.
The 24-year-old called Tigers his "home", having grown up a Leicester fan and coming through the academy at the 11-time Gallagher Premiership champions.
Chessum missed England’s deflating Autumn Nations Series campaign through an injury sustained on an England training camp, and is set to return in the new year ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.
While no details of the length of the contract were disclosed, Chessum said continuing at the club was "perfect" for his current situation.
"I’m very pleased to know my future is here at Leicester Tigers," Chessum told the Leicester Tigers’ club website.
"This is my home. I’ve loved the club my whole life, I’m surrounded by good mates and come to work [in] 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."
The news comes on the back of Chessum putting pen to paper on one of 17 Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts offered to core members of Steve Borthwick’s England set-up in October.
- Champions Cup round-up: Northampton Saints continue unbeaten streak with win over Bulls, Leicester Tigers thrash Sharks
- England international Tom Curry to undergo stem-cell therapy for chronic condition in bid to make 2027 World Cup
Having made his Tigers debut in 2020, Chessum played every minute as Leicester defeated Saracens in the 2022 Premiership final.
That was the last piece of major silverware the second row picked up, having played no part in Leicester Tigers’ Premiership Rugby Cup campaign last season.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/10/12/4050924-82156133-2560-1440.jpg)
'A level above' - Chessum dots down for Leicester's third try
Video credit: TNT Sports
But Chessum has since been included in head coach Michael Cheika’s leadership group at the club, and the Australian was glad to count on his services in the seasons to come.
Cheika said: "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."
Watch and stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement