Leicester Tigers release fly-half Charlie Atkinson

Leicester Tigers have agreed to release fly-half Charlie Atkinson with immediate effect.

Atkinson now will move to rivals Gloucester after inking a permanent deal with the Cherry and Whites.

The 22-year-old graduated through Wasps Academy and went on to make his senior debut with the club in 2020. He made a switch to Leicester in 2022 after Wasps entered into administration and has featured in 24 games for them.

“After Wasps, and everything that happened, Leicester and this group of lads took me in and treated me like family, so I’ll always have fond memories of the club," he told the club's official website.

“I want to thank the Tigers fans for all their support and wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers General Manager Richard Wilks wished Atkinson good luck on his future.

“Charlie is a player of immense potential and a popular member of our group, so he’ll certainly be missed at the club.”

“The reality is there are longer term squad management factors at play when you operate within any salary cap sport and in this instance, a good opportunity arose for Charlie to move and allowing him to go now assists us with our squad management moving forward.

“It’s pleasing that Charlie got to finish on a high note with us against Stade Francais and we wish him well for the future.”

Leicester Tigers are positioned eighth in the Gallagher Premiership table with four wins from nine matches.