Leicester Tigers forward Sam Lewis has joined Coventry on loan for the 2021 Championship season.

The 22-year-old has made 21 senior appearances for Leicester since his debut in 2017 after graduating from the Tigers Academy and represented England Under-20s in 2018.

Speaking about the loan agreement with Coventry, Tigers heard coach Steve Borthwick said: “Sam is at a crucial period in his development and this opportunity presents him with the chance to get game time.”

“Coventry is a club we have had a long-standing working relationship with at Tigers for some time now and this is another example of the positives of that association.

“I am certain Sam will represent Leicester Tigers in a professional, mature way and work diligently to make the most of the chance he has been afforded.”

Discussing the club’s plans to provide members of the Leicester squad opportunities for game time, Borthwick added: “We are actively seeking loan opportunities for members of our squad who will not be exposed to as much game time as with previous seasons, due to the uncertainty surrounding the 2020/21 Premiership Rugby Cup and Shield schedules.”

Lewis added: “I am looking forward to the opportunity in the Championship and excited about linking up with the players and working under the coaching team at Coventry.”

“It’s a strange season, with less games on offer for players across the Premiership and this gives me a chance to get some game time when the Championship season begins, as well as being able to experience and test myself in a new environment.”

Coventry begin their Championship campaign at home against Bedford Blues on March 6.