Leicester Tigers have confirmed a new contract for Anthony Watson that will keep the England wing in the East Midlands beyond the end of this season.
The 29-year-old, who has 56 England caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021, was the subject of significant interest from clubs in France, including Castres, yet has opted to stay with Tigers and will therefore remain eligible for England.
Having signed a training contract with the Rugby Football Union, Watson was paid by the governing body over the summer and listed as ‘unattached’ in England’s squad updates.
Though Telegraph Sport revealed at the start of this month that ‘hybrid contracts’ were being discussed in a bid to keep England regulars in this country, this latest agreement between Watson and Leicester is said to be no different to that of any other Premiership player.
Watson joined Leicester from Bath at the start of the 2022-23 campaign and would have travelled to the recent World Cup with England had he not sustained a calf injury in the weeks before the tournament began.
“Really happy to get the deal over the line and restart my journey with Tigers,” Watson said. “I really enjoyed being part of the Tigers last year, the squad, staff and fans were class.
“Ultimately, I came to join a great squad and win things and my goal hasn’t changed. I want to contribute to the success of the squad and organisation as much as possible. I’m excited for the year to come with this squad and with the new coaching staff.”
Tigers have integrated two more wings, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Josh Bassett, into their squad for the beginning of this season and Dan McKellar, their head coach, suggested that Watson could be back in action before the end of the year.
“To secure a player of Anthony’s quality and experience on a new deal is fantastic news and I am certain our supporters are as pleased as we are with the announcement,” he said.
“He has played the game at the highest levels for a number of years and, after only one season at Leicester Tigers, has shown what a great asset he is, and his skill set certainly suits our game and where we want to take it.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Anthony back into the group in December.”
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