£1m Deal: Chessum Stays

Ollie Chessum, the England and British and Irish Lions lock, has signed a new two-year deal with Leicester Tigers, his boyhood club, reportedly worth £500,000 a season. The 26-year-old has featured 89 times for the East Midlands club since emerging from the Tigers academy in August 2020.

Chessum expressed his commitment to the club, stating he couldn't imagine wearing another team's badge. He has been with the club since his early days and has developed into a key player, currently in his second season as Tigers' captain.

After recovering from a foot injury at the start of the season, Chessum scored a try in his first appearance of the season. He has since led Leicester in back-to-back Prem wins against Northampton and Bristol, sending Tigers top of the table.

The new deal is a significant milestone for Chessum, who has been an integral part of the team's success. Head coach Geoff Parling has been instrumental in Chessum's development, emphasizing the importance of his role as captain and as a player.

## Why it matters The signing of Chessum's new contract is a significant boost for Leicester Tigers, who are currently top of the table. The club's ability to retain key players like Chessum is crucial to their success, and the new deal demonstrates the club's commitment to investing in its talent. With Chessum at the helm, Leicester Tigers are well-positioned to continue their strong performance in the upcoming season.

As Chessum looks to the future, he is focused on continuing to improve as a leader and as a player. He has praised the coaching staff at Leicester Tigers, citing their emphasis on constant improvement as a key factor in his decision to stay with the club. With his new contract in place, Chessum is set to remain a key figure in Leicester Tigers' success for years to come.