Back row Ben Pienaar has been awarded a new contract after impressing in a Tigers shirt so far this season.

The 21-year-old made his first Guinness Premiership start away at Worcester last month and now has seven first-team appearances since his debut against the Barbarians in March 2006.

The South-African born youngster has come through the ranks of the Tigers Academy and has also starred for the club at Guinness A League level. He has featured for the first team on both the openside and blindside flanks this season, with his most recent appearance coming in Tuesday night’s match at Bath.

“I got my first start in the team this season and that was a great experience for me,” says Pienaar. “There were a few injuries which gave me the opportunity but it is a huge boost to know that the coaches have enough confidence in you and are willing to put you on the pitch even if you do not have a great deal of experience. I hope to keep improving and I’m very happy to have signed a new contract to stay at Tigers.”