England halfback Jack van Poortvliet makes call on PREM club future

Jack van Poortvliet has committed his future to Leicester Tigers after signing a contract extension with the Gallagher PREM club.

The 25-year-old scrum-half has spent his entire professional career with Tigers, progressing through the academy before making his senior debut in 2019 at the age of 18.

Since then, the six-foot, 90kg van Poortvliet has gone on to make 118 appearances for the East Midlands side and was part of the squad that lifted the Gallagher PREM title in the 2021/22 season.

Despite a string of injuries, the England international has also established himself at Test level under head coach Steve Borthwick, earning 27 caps and securing an England Elite Player Squad contract for the 2026/27 campaign.

His contract extension continues a significant week for the scrum-half, who has also been named vice-captain under new Tigers head coach Geoff Parling, alongside club captain Ollie Chessum.

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.

“I grew up supporting Leicester, it’s always been my club. This place feels like home in my rugby life. The club is in a really good position, I think we have a great group of lads and great coaches,” said Van Poortvliet.

“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.”

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

Head coach Parling was understandably pleased that his No.1 scrumhalf was staying put.

Parling said, “Jack is a brilliant player, developed through our academy, and an important leader in our group.”