Second-row forward Graham Kitchener has agreed a new contract to extend his stay at Leicester Tigers.
Kitchener is approaching 100 starts for the club since arriving from Worcester Warriors in 2011 and has been ever-present in the matchday squad in Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup fixtures this season.
Head coach Aaron Mauger identified Kitchener as a key player in the Tigers squad over recent seasons and said: “Kitch is an athletic and dynamic presence in the second row and he now has a lot of experience under his belt in big games with the club.
“He has become an important part of the squad and has been a consistent performer in the team during his five years here.
“We believe he can continue to develop here as a player and a leader, and we look forward to seeing him playing a prominent role in coming years.”
Kitchener, 27, said: “It was an easy decision to make. It was agreed nice and early. I’ve spent a lot of time at the club and I feel very at home here.
“Leicester Tigers is a great club to play for. You're playing in front of 24,000-plus fans every week at Welford Road. It is a prestigious club with huge history and an exciting future.
“It’s great to be involved with the calibre of players and the squad we’ve got."
Kitchener is approaching 100 starts for the club since arriving from Worcester Warriors in 2011 and has been ever-present in the matchday squad in Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup fixtures this season.
Head coach Aaron Mauger identified Kitchener as a key player in the Tigers squad over recent seasons and said: “Kitch is an athletic and dynamic presence in the second row and he now has a lot of experience under his belt in big games with the club.
“He has become an important part of the squad and has been a consistent performer in the team during his five years here.
“We believe he can continue to develop here as a player and a leader, and we look forward to seeing him playing a prominent role in coming years.”
Kitchener, 27, said: “It was an easy decision to make. It was agreed nice and early. I’ve spent a lot of time at the club and I feel very at home here.
“Leicester Tigers is a great club to play for. You're playing in front of 24,000-plus fans every week at Welford Road. It is a prestigious club with huge history and an exciting future.
“It’s great to be involved with the calibre of players and the squad we’ve got."