Sam Aspland-Robinson has agreed a new contract with Leicester Tigers.
The versatile outside-back, who joined the club during the summer of 2018, has made 14 appearances for Tigers in two seasons since joining from Harlequins.
A former England Under-20s representative, Aspland-Robinson was a member of the England U20s side that won the Junior World Cup in 2016 and completed a successful Grand Slam campaign.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Tigers so far … I hope to continue to get chances to play here"
Sam Aspland-Robinson
Currently side-lined with a long-term leg injury, suffered in the European fixture against Pau at Welford Road in November, the 22-year-old admits the “vote of confidence” from Geordan Murphy and the club means a lot.
“It’s really nice to get that vote of confidence,” said Aspland-Robinson.
“When I got injured, I went straight to Geordan and asked if he wanted to keep me, which he said he did.
“To get that certainty from the coach is great, it was a nice Christmas present for me and means a lot.”
Despite an injury-plagued start to his second season, Aspland-Robinson is hopeful of returning to the fold and ready to contribute to “repay the faith” shown by Murphy.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Tigers so far … I hope to continue to get chances to play here and, from when I get back from this injury, I want to get back in the side and repay the faith of Geordan and the coaching staff,” he said.
“The day after my operation, he invited me to his house for dinner and was looking after me.
“He treats us a friend away from the training ground and it’s great, we’re so lucky to have him as a leader, and then he draws the line and is the boss at Oval Park.
“I’m behind him one-hundred percent.”
Speaking about the retention of Aspland-Robinson, Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “We are really delighted to have Sam re-sign.”
“He has really matured during his time here and showed a huge desire to be an impressive play for Tigers long-term.
“He has been unlucky this season with injuries but trained incredibly well and showed a great attitude towards his work.”
Aspland-Robinson’s commitment to his training and improvement is not the only thing that has impressed Murphy, with his immediate reaction to his injury against Pau in November showing the Tigers head coach what a “special character” the outside-back is.
“With a broken leg, he showed incredible toughness to get back in to a defensive line and run it off … it takes a very special character to do that for your team-mates,” added Murphy.
“Everything he has done has been impressive and we are excited that he wants to stay … we see Sam as a big part of the base we’re building towards success again in Leicester.”
