Ollie Chessum appointed club captain

Ollie Chessum will lead Leicester Tigers this season.

The England and British and Irish Lions lock was named as club captain by Head Coach Geoff Parling today, with Hanro Liebenberg and Jack van Poortvliet appointed the vice captains.

Chessum, 25, follows in a long line of Leicester greats. His predecessors in the role include Martin Johnson, Peter Wheeler and Dean Richards.

Parling said: "I'm pleased that 'Ches' will be leading us. From what I've seen in the time I've been here, he's driving what we do with his actions and behaviours — and through his ability to get others to come with him."

Chessum said: "It's not lost on me what a huge honour it is to lead this team. I've been a Tigers boy all my life and it's a hugely proud thing for me and my family.

"The main thing is how exciting it is. When you look at the talent we've got, there's no ceiling for the potential of this group."

Chessum is Leicester through and through, an Academy product who made his senior debut in 2020, making his England debut in 2022 and appearing in all three Lions Tests this summer.