England A loosehead van der Flier signs new Leicester Tigers deal despite rival interest

Archie van der Flier has signed a new contract with Leicester Tigers, rebuffing interest from rival Premiership clubs to remain at Mattioli Woods Welford Road for the foreseeable future.

The 24-year-old loosehead prop came through Leicester’s senior academy after gaining experience with Nottingham in the Championship, and has made 27 first-team appearances since his Tigers debut in October 2023. Van der Flier is currently sidelined through injury but had attracted attention from elsewhere in the Premiership before committing to the club.

His form has also earned international recognition, with the prop featuring for England A in their 52-14 victory against an Ireland XV in Limerick.

“I’m really excited, really happy. I’ve loved my time at the club so far, loved my time with this squad. I’m just excited to get back out there,” van der Flier said. “You get this feeling with Leicester, it’s a special place. I love the way we play, I love the squad and I love coming into work every day. I feel very privileged to play for Leicester Tigers.”

Leicester head coach Geoff Parling was equally enthusiastic about securing the prop’s future. “Archie is an important player for us right now and one with a huge upside,” Parling said. “You can see his effort and desire to get better each day and he’s a brilliant character to have in the environment, so we’re delighted to have him with us for the foreseeable future.”

Van der Flier becomes the latest player to extend his stay at the club, joining fellow re-signings Finn Carnduff and Billy Searle in pledging their futures to Leicester.