'I wish her the best of luck': Leicester announce midseason departure

Leicester Tigers have confirmed that lock forward Deni Ross has left the club with immediate effect to return to Australia.

The 25-year-old joined the Premiership Women’s Rugby club ahead of the 2025/26 season from the Queensland Reds after the team’s runners-up finish in Super Rugby Women’s in 2025.

This season Ross has made 10 appearances for Leicester in PWR. Entering the international break Tigers are at the bottom of the league table and yet to win a game this season.

Fraser Goatcher, Leicester Tigers’ Head of Women’s Rugby, said, “I’d like to thank Deni for all of her hard work this season. She has been a great asset to the team both as a player and as a person.

“Her work at the lineout has been invaluable to us and her quality and professionalism have driven the pack – and the team as a whole – forward. I wish her the best of luck in her next steps.”

Ross was one of several players to join the Mattioli Woods Welford Road club from Australian teams at the start of the season.

Wallaroos cap Jemima McCalman arrived from Blagnac in France, Samoa international Easter Savelio came from the Brumbies, Olivia Tallon from Western Force, while both Beth Cregan and Ali Coleman joined from Power House.

Deni Ross said: “It’s been such a privilege to have played for Leicester Tigers. I’m beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity to play in the best competition in the world and to have played alongside a group of girls who quickly became my family.

“I’m sad to be leaving, but I’m excited to see where the development of the programme in the future and I will be cheering on from afar for the final two games of the season.”