Tigers Stars Sign New Contracts

Lewis Moody, Ollie Smith and Geordan Murphy, all currently on British & Irish Lions duty, are already looking forward to next season at Welford Road. The international stars have all signed new contracts with the two time Heineken Cup champions, which will see them available for action in Pool 3 of the Heineken Cup.

Leicester will face Celtic League championsThe Ospreys, last season's Heineken Cup finalists Stade Francais Paris and Clermont Auvergne who last played in the Heineken Cup in the 2002/2003 season.

World Cup winner Moody, who has signed a three-year deal, was delighted to put pen to paper. "It's fantastic news; these things tend to take a long time as everyone wants what's best for them," said the World Cup winner.

"I love playing at Leicester and I couldn't imagine playing at another club. My mates are here, I've had plenty of support, especially from the fans, when I was injured and I'm very lucky to have had that. I hope that I can stay here for as long as possible.

Ollie Smith revealed that he had plenty of offers from clubs trying to lure him away from Tigers: "Other clubs were interested in me, which is always flattering, but I'm delighted to have signed a new two-year deal with Leicester.

"We've had a good season on the field and from a personal point of view I think I've done okay, having steered away from serious injuries. The opportunity to work with Pat Howard is another plus and I'd like nothing more than winning a trophy at the club next season."

Delighted Irish star Geordan Murphy is another player who has spent his whole career at Tigers and couldn't contemplate a move from the club he loves. "I love Leicester. I've been here since the age of 19; it's the only big club I know and it would be hard to imagine playing my rugby anywhere else," said the full back, who has signed for another three years.

"A lot of us players have grown up together at Leicester, having come through the various age-groups and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside all my mates and to have such a great bunch of fans is an added bonus, too."