Leicester Tigers lock in George Martin, Saracens snap up a hooker

Leicester Tigers have retained prized lock George Martin on a ‘multi-year’ agreement, capping a fine year for the 22-year-old after an excellent World Cup showing.

Martin, who has also played at number eight on occasion, has played 69 times for Leicester since graduating from the club’s academy in 2019, including an appearance off the bench in the 2022 Premiership Final. He has also won nine England caps, including a standout showing in England’s narrow World Cup semi-final defeat to South Africa.

“Coming through the Academy here, I get to come into work every day, play for a great club with my mates and I’m excited to work with Dan (McKellar) and develop in the program that we have here,” said Martin in the club press release.

“It was great to get back on the field last week and Exeter is another big challenge for our group but playing for this club, in Leicester is special. I’m really happy to be staying with Tigers.”

Keeping the youngsters

The re-signing is a crucial step for the club as it seeks to retain top talent in the current economic climate and new salary cap restrictions, with coach Dan McKellar making it clear that Martin’s young age made his extension a priority.

“George is an exceptional young player with the potential to grow in our program,” he said.

“At 22, he’s already got the physical tools and the mentality to perform at a high level and I’ve been really impressed with him since he’s returned to the club from the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Saracens have extended the contract of 26-year-old hooker James Hadfield until the end of the current season.

Hadfield had initially joined on a short-term deal as cover for World Cup-bound Jamie George and Theo Dan, but has impressed over the first three months of the season.

“James is a very hard working professional who has really impressed us since arriving. He has fitted in to the group very well and we believe he will continue to improve over the coming months,” said coach Mark McCall.

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