Ollie Chessum explains Leicester commitment after signing two-year deal

Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has explained his decision to sign a new two-year contract, saying his attachment to his boyhood club left him unable to imagine playing elsewhere. The England and British and Irish Lions lock spoke to BBC Radio Leicester after agreeing the extension last week.

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Chessum, 26, has made 89 appearances for Leicester since emerging from their academy in August 2020, according to BBC Sport's latest report. He is now in his second season as captain. His renewed commitment follows that of fellow England international Jack van Poortvliet, whose own extension was announced less than a week before Chessum's deal.

The lock's start to the current campaign was delayed by a foot injury. He returned with a try in a heavy European Champions Cup defeat at Pau, then captained Leicester to consecutive league wins over Northampton and Bristol. Those results moved Tigers to the top of the table.

Discussing his role, Chessum said captaincy remained a continual learning process rather than something a player could fully master. He also stressed that head coach Geoff Parling wanted his performances on the field to come first. Chessum credited the coaching staff with helping the squad develop both its leadership and its rugby.

Parling had praised that willingness to improve when the contract was announced. In comments reported by BBC Sport, the Leicester coach said his early observations of Chessum in training had shown a desire to progress that fitted his own approach to preparation and performance. He described the forward as an increasingly influential captain who was supported by teammates.

The coach also highlighted the importance of retaining academy-developed players such as Chessum. Parling said their quality and ambition mattered to the team, while their local connections helped supporters identify with the players representing Leicester. Chessum was part of the Tigers side that won the Premiership title in 2022. He was subsequently appointed club captain ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, adding leadership responsibility to his playing role.