Freddie Steward signs contract extension

Leicester Tigers and England international fullback Freddie Steward has signed a new deal with the club.

The announcement follows news of eight additional Tigers players re-signing with the club, including Scottish international lock Cameron Henderson. 

A product of Tigers' development pathways programme, Steward joined the club from Norwich School and was a regular at full-back as the academy team won the U18 Academy League title without losing a game in successive seasons – 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Steward made his senior Tigers debut in 2019 and, just weeks later, while still worrying about school homework, he was drafted into Leicester’s matchday squad for a league clash against Sale, coming on as a substitute for his first Gallagher Premiership appearance.

His progression from there was rapid, and the Norfolk native went on to make his full England debut in 2021 before starting in the successful 2022 Premiership final against Saracens.

At 24, Steward has already amassed more than 100 appearances for Leicester and will start for Steve Borthwick’s England side in this Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Ireland.

Speaking about his new deal with Tigers, Steward said: “I’m very pleased to have got this sorted and to extend my time at the club that means so much to me.

“From a young age, travelling over from Norfolk, all I wanted to do was pull on a Leicester Tigers shirt, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue doing so.

“As a graduate of the academy, I want to be part of driving this club forward and feel a responsibility to do so. Representing Tigers is something I will never take for granted, and I am hungry to contribute to the club’s success in the coming years.

“There is no doubt that this is one of the best-supported clubs in the world, with one of its great stadiums, Mattioli Woods Welford Road. I am lucky to be able to call it my home.”

Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika said: “It’s great news for the club to have Freddie signed on for the future.

“I’m sure there was plenty of interest in Fred outside of Leicester because his form this season so far has been outstanding.

“He’s a player who puts his all into everything he does. He puts his body on the line. I’m very happy he will be part of the club for the coming seasons.”