Van Poortvliet signs Leicester Tigers extension and is named vice-captain

Jack van Poortvliet has signed a contract extension with Leicester Tigers, committing his future to the only professional club he has ever known. The England scrum-half, 25, was also named vice-captain alongside club captain Ollie Chessum under new head coach Geoff Parling.

Van Poortvliet came through the Tigers academy and made his senior debut in 2019 at the age of 18. He has since accumulated 118 appearances for the East Midlands club and was part of the squad that won the Gallagher Premiership title in the 2021/22 season.

Despite a series of injuries disrupting his progress, the scrum-half has established himself at international level under head coach Steve Borthwick, earning 27 England caps and securing an Elite Player Squad contract for the 2026/27 campaign.

“I grew up supporting Leicester, it’s always been my club. This place feels like home in my rugby life,” Van Poortvliet said. “I love playing rugby here, I have my best mates here and I believe that we’ve got a group of lads that we can do great things with. I want to be in a place that I love playing for and I believe can win trophies.”

He added that the decision to stay was straightforward. “It was a pretty easy decision to stay. I love it here and long may that continue.”

Parling welcomed the news, describing Van Poortvliet as a key figure in his plans. “Jack is a brilliant player, developed through our academy, and an important leader in our group,” the head coach said.

Van Poortvliet is set to start Leicester’s opening East Midlands Derby of the season against Northampton Saints at a sold-out Mattioli Woods Welford Road.