Leicester Tigers announce 'performance partnership' with Nottingham Rugby

Leicester Tigers and Nottingham Rugby have announced a formal partnership ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The two clubs were involved in informal partnership for decades with the likes of Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Calum Green, Charlie Clare, Joe Browning and Ollie Chessum benefitting having been part of both the sides.

According to the agreement, both Leicester and Nottingham will link through a unique performance partnership which includes co-operation on coaching resources, education and programme alignment, training and playing opportunities for players, and pathway integration.

Leicester Tigers General Manager Leigh Jones is confident that the partnership will benefit both the clubs.

“This is an exciting and unique partnership which will see a healthy sharing of knowledge and practices across the clubs, at all levels, to the mutual benefit of Tigers and Nottingham.

“The East Midlands has a proud rugby history and both Leicester Tigers and Nottingham have contributed heavily to it, which can now continue in a more formal, co-ordinated manner moving forward.

“We will be aligning the rugby programmes of Tigers and Nottingham on and off the field in various ways, including the dual-registration of several players to get valuable game-time in this season’s Championship.

“In addition, we’re going to welcome Craig Hammond into the Tigers environment weekly, working in Steve Borthwick’s coaching team and as a crucial link for the pathway programmes at both clubs.

“The agreement is the product of a lot of hard work during the summer months and we are pleased to be kicking it off now ahead of the new season.”

Meanwhile, Nottingham Rugby Chief Operating Officer Steve Smith is looking forward to work with Leicester as they aim to develop a strong pathway structure.

“Nottingham Rugby are pleased to be able to formalise our relationship with Leicester Tigers and continue to support the development of young players coming through the performance pathway structure.

“The coaching team are really looking forward to working with the Tigers players on a regular basis and we look forward to many of these players progressing into the Tigers senior squad in years to come.”