REPORT: Leicester Tigers could face mass player exodus

Leicester Tigers could lose as many as 12 players including a number of England internationals if a new deal is not agreed by Tuesday according to a report by Charlie Morgan at the Telegraph.

The players and club are engaged in a stand-off over signing new contracts with the Telegraph reporting that a significant number of Tigers are reluctant to agree amended terms but have been told that they must do so by Tuesday at 5pm.

It is reported that if the contracts are not agreed upon players’ current deals would be terminated and leave them free to leave the club and pursue employment elsewhere.

EXCLUSIVE: Leicester Tigers face losing a third of their first-team squad amid contract stand-off | @CharlieFelix reportshttps://t.co/nMVmqxFEID

— Telegraph Rugby (@TelegraphRugby) June 28, 2020

Tuesday’s deadline has been imposed by the Leicester hierarchy in a bid to finalise their playing squad ahead of Borthwick’s arrival.

In May, Leicester Tigers confirmed the departures of a number of players including Sam Costelow, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Gaston Cortes, Owen Hills, Will Spencer, Sione Kalamafoni, Guy Thompson, Sam Harrison, Adam Thompstone, EW Viljoen, Joe Thomas, Jonny May and Jonah Holmes. However, that list could grow in the next few days if the contracts are not agreed upon.

Los Pumas second-rower Tomas Lavanini is rumoured to join fellow Argentine Marcos Kremer in signing for TOP14 club Stade Francais. Flanker Jordan Taufua is also reportedly in talks to leave the club and is, according to Midi Olympique, in advanced talks with French PROD2 club Beziers - who are set to be taken over by billionaire UAE investor.

Just some of the players Béziers have been linked with since the news that the club is set to be taken over by billionaire UAE investors 💸💸 pic.twitter.com/4rhT06cqRW

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) June 29, 2020