Harry Wells set to be a free agent after being released by Leicester

Leicester will be saying farewell to another stalwart of the engine room at the end of the season with the news that one-cap England international Harry Wells will be leaving the club.

Wells’ long association with the Tigers stretches back to his days in the academy and amounts to over 200 first-team games since his debut in 2013.

Unlike his Saracens-bound teammate, fellow lock George Martin, the 32-year-old’s future plans have yet to be announced, although he has been linked in the past with a move to Exeter Chiefs.

“We’ve got a great bunch of players, great bunch of lads. We’ve always had a great changing room, the fans have been fantastic and it has been the most fantastic place to work and play rugby,” said Wells, whose time at Welford Road was punctuated by a short spell in the Championship at Bedford

“My time at the club has been exceptionally special. We’ve faced tough times as a club, there were periods where we were towards the lower end of the table but we rebuilt.”

“I only look back on everything with really fond memories. The memories I have created over this time have been something I will take with me forever.”

Wells, who is in in his testimonial year, was part of the team to win the Premiership title in the 2021/2022 season under Steve Borthwick, having come off the bench to contribute to a 15-12 win against Saracens in the final at Twickenham Stadium.

The most recent silverware came in the way of the PREM Cup trophy in March, where Tigers claimed victory on home soil against Exeter Chiefs.

“To have the opportunity to play in a final at Mattioli Woods Welford Road was fantastic. To walk out here in a Cup final and be able to deliver the goods was something you always dream of as a kid,” added Wells, who represented England for the only time at Test level against Canada in 2021.

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling said, “Wellsy epitomises what it means to be a Tigers player – hard working, tough, does the basics well, and everything is for the good of the team.”

“From coming through the Academy, to then playing well over 200 games in the shirt and getting to run out for England is testament to his dedication and character.”

“We wish him the best in the next chapter, and he can leave the club proud in what he has achieved and how he has gone about his business.”