Peter Betham and Graham Kitchener sign new deal with Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers have secured the services of Peter Betham and Graham Kitchener after the duo signed fresh contracts with the Aviva Premiership club.

Betham, 28, has played two Tests for Australia previously in 2013-14 and joined Leicester Tigers in 2011 and has played 34 Aviva Premiership games for the club scoring nine tries in it. He has also played for the Super Rugby clubs Brumbies, Waratahs, Rebels and Waratahs before joining the Tigers.

Kitchener, 27, joined Leicester Tigers from Worcester Warriors in 2011 and has been a prominent member of the squad this season.

Leicester interim head coach Aaron Mauger said the contract extension of the duo will benefit the club in their long-term goal.

"Peter has shown his versatility by playing at wing and centre in his 18 months at the club, and we believe we will see even more growth in his game on the back of his experiences here so far.

"To see Graham Kitchener and Peter agree to new contracts is good news for the club because they have played key roles in the squad in the last few seasons and they were very keen to stay.

"'Kitch' is an athletic and dynamic presence in the second-row, and he now has a lot of experience under his belt in big games with the club."