Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has signed a new two-year contract with his boyhood club, reportedly worth £500,000 per season. The 26-year-old England and British and Irish Lions lock, who has made 89 appearances for the Tigers since emerging from the academy in August 2020, said the decision was straightforward.
"For me there was no question," Chessum told BBC Radio Leicester. "I love playing for this club, this has been my club ever since I've known what rugby is about and for me it was as pure and simple as I couldn't see myself with another badge on my chest."
Chessum is in his second season as captain, though his campaign started late due to a foot injury. He scored a try in his first appearance of the season, a heavy defeat at Pau in the European Champions Cup, but has since led Leicester to back-to-back Premiership wins over Northampton and Bristol, sending the Tigers to the top of the table.
"I've loved every minute of being captain and being able to lead this group," Chessum said. "Leadership is one of those things that I liken it to golf; people say you never master it. And leadership is exactly the same - you are constantly looking for ways to improve."
He added that head coach Geoff Parling emphasizes his primary role is to play well week in, week out, and that the current coaching environment drives improvement both as leaders and rugby players.
