Ollie Chessum signs two-year Leicester Tigers contract extension

Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has signed a new two-year contract, extending his commitment to Welford Road less than a week after fellow England international Jack van Poortvliet agreed to stay. BBC Sport reported the deal on Thursday, confirming another contract agreement involving a senior member of Leicester's squad.

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The 26-year-old lock has made 88 appearances for the Tigers and was part of their 2022 Premiership title-winning side. He took over as club captain before the 2025-26 season. RugbyPass reported that the extension will keep him at Leicester until 2029, following a club debut against Gloucester at Kingsholm in August 2020.

In comments carried by BBC Sport, head coach Geoff Parling described Chessum as an increasingly influential captain who helps set standards and has support from his teammates. Parling said he had heard positive assessments before joining Leicester but wanted to judge the player himself. His early observations in training convinced him that Chessum's determination to improve matched his own approach to preparation and performance.

Parling also stressed the importance of players developed within Leicester's system. He said their ambition for the team and their connection with supporters were important alongside their playing ability. His explanation placed Chessum's leadership within that wider group, describing a captain whose work is reinforced by other players rather than carried out in isolation.

Chessum's own explanation focused on relationships and continuity. According to RugbyPass, he said staying was a straightforward choice because of his attachment to the club and the people around him. He pointed to close friends in the squad moving into leadership positions and welcomed the stability of working with Parling for a second season. He also cited van Poortvliet's recent renewal when discussing his decision.

The extension retains a player with experience for both England and the British and Irish Lions. RugbyPass reported that Chessum has 38 England caps and played in all three Tests on the Lions' successful 2025 tour of Australia. Parling said the lock still had room to develop further for club and country, praising the contribution he had already made to Leicester's weekly preparation.