Anthony Watson returns to Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers have agreed a new deal with Anthony Watson which will see the international return to the club from December.

The 29-year-old represented Tigers during the 2022/23 season, after joining from Bath Rugby where he spent a decade and made more than 100 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club.

Watson joined Bath in 2013 from London Irish, where he made his professional debut after rising through the junior ranks of The Exiles.

He represented England at Under-20 level, while with Irish, before making his senior Test debut for England in 2014.

Watson has 55 international appearances for England, including the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, and has played 5 Test matches for the British & Irish Lions after being selected for the 2017 and 2021 tours.

He was originally named as part of England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad but ruled out through injury.

The England and British & Irish Lions representative made 16 appearances and scored six tries in his debut season for Tigers.

Speaking about the new deal for Watson, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Dan McKellar added: “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 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.”

Discussing the new deal, Watson said: “Really happy to get the deal over the line and restart my journey with Tigers.”

“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.”