Mathew Tait and Harry Thacker sign new Leicester Tigers deals
Wednesday 29 March 2017 14:02, UK
Leicester Tigers duo Mathew Tait and Harry Thacker have signed new contracts with the Aviva Premiership outfit, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
Versatile back Tait has agreed an extension beyond the end of the 2016/17 season having been with the Tigers since 2011.
Tait earned 38 caps for England between 2005 and 2010, while he recently passed 100 appearances for the Tigers.
The 31-year-old also captained the team to victory in the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final in March 2017, collecting the club's first silverware in four years.
"I'm delighted to agree a new contract," Tait told the Tigers official site. "I just want to keep contributing to the club.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here, Tigers is a massive club and playing in big games is one of the main reasons you want to be here. I'm very glad to be doing that."
Assistant coach Geordan Murphy, who made more than 300 appearances in 16 seasons in the Tigers backline, added: "We're delighted Mat has agreed to new contract terms. He has been in good form for us and he offers a great deal of experience and versatility in the squad.
"He understands the game very well and he is a good man to have in the camp."
Tigers academy graduate Thacker also agreed a new deal with the club on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old hooker is a two-time winner of the club's Young Player of the Year award, and recently passed 50 first-team appearances for the club since making his senior debut in November 2012.
The forward is the son of former Tigers hooker Troy Thacker and older brother of development squad centre Charlie.
"I always wanted to play for my hometown club and I obviously have family ties with the Tigers," said Thacker
"It's great to be able to continue to do that and wear the Tigers shirt."
Tigers forwards coach Richard Blaze added: "Harry is a very important part of the senior squad and we look forward to seeing his continued contribution and development here.
"As well as his performances as part of the senior squad, as one of the Leicester lads who has come right through the ranks here, he also sets a great example for young players in the academy and development squads."
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