‘Top quality’ England star chooses ‘different direction’ after turning down ‘competitive deal’
England lock George Martin to leave Leicester Tigers.
England international lock George Martin will leave Gallagher PREM side Leicester Tigers at the end of the season after turning down a ‘competitive deal’ from the club.
The forward’s departure has long been mooted, but on Monday night it was confirmed by Tigers that he would be leaving the East Midlands side following a six-year stint.
Head coach Geoff Parling revealed that he did not want to lose the 21-cap England second-rower, and Leicester did their best to tie him to a fresh contract, but to no avail.
Nursing an injury
It is rumoured that PREM rivals Saracens are the chosen destination of Martin, who is currently sidelined with an injury, with a statement confirming his impending exit.
Martin made his senior debut for Leicester Tigers in September 2019 and has turned out 73 times for the club, scoring nine tries, as well as winning 21 caps for England.
He was part of the Tigers’ team that lifted the PREM title in 2022 and is hoping to return to action later in the season once he has recovered from his shoulder problem.
Head coach Parling said: “We would have liked George to stay with the club as he’s a top-quality player developed through our academy alongside many of the current team.
“While we offered George a competitive deal to remain with Tigers, he has chosen a different direction for the next stage of his career.
“We thank him for his time with us and wish him well.”
Martin has not played for England since February this year in a home Six Nations fixture with France while his last outing for Leicester was against Toulouse in January.
Leicester Tigers currently sit in fourth position on the PREM table and recently opened their Investec Champions Cup account with a defeat to La Rochelle on the road.