1
Leicester add 6 internationals to list of 14 players departing Welford Road
Leicester Tigers have published their ‘leavers list’ and it includes a bevy of international players. They have also confirmed that two senior academy players are leaving.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a statement today they officially added the names of George Ford, Ellis Genge, Matías Moroni, Juan Pablo Socino, Marco van Staden, Sam Aspland-Robinson and Jaco Taute.
The exits of Ford and Genge were announced during the current campaign, with the fly-half joining Sale Sharks and the front-rower reuniting with Bristol Bears for the upcoming campaign.
Ford played in two Premiership title-winning seasons while playing for Tigers over the course of two spells, totaling 1,256 points in 129 outings.
Genge, who moved to Leicester first on a loan during the 2015–16 season, departs after 111 appearances and having led the team to the Gallagher Premiership championship for the first time in nine years.
In four seasons at the club, Aspland-Robinson made 14 appearances while on loan to Championship team Coventry Rugby.
Los Pumas centre Moroni is also leaving. After making his debut in a European Challenge Cup victory against Brive in December 2020, Moroni, who joined Tigers ahead of the 2020–21 season, made 36 appearances. He joins Newcastle Falcons.
ADVERTISEMENT
Socino, who joined Leicester from Saracens at the start of the current season, left the club after one season and nine appearances.
Marco van Staden leaves to continue his rehabilitation from concussion in his native South Africa.
Olly Robinson’s loan spell with the club ends, as does Tomiwa Agbongbon’s short-term contract.
Jonny Law and Jack Rowntree – the son of Munster head coach and former England prop Graham – are also leaving.
ADVERTISEMENT
The club previously agreed early releases for Cyle Brink, Dan Lancaster and Kobus van Wyk – as well as seeing long-serving Tigers player and former captain, Tom Youngs.
“First and foremost, I want to thank each player for their contribution to Leicester Tigers,” said Steve Borthwick. “They have all played a part in this early stage of our journey at the club and I am grateful for the hard work and effort they have put in to carry us forward.
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from all of these players.
“As well as being professional, hard working and talented rugby players, they have been fine young men who I am certain the supporters are proud to have had represent them and the club during their time at Leicester Tigers.
“In addition, I want to thank their families for their support. It has been a huge source of inspiration for all of us throughout this season.
“On behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, I wish all of the players and their families well for their next chapters.”
SENIOR SQUAD LEAVERS: Sam Aspland-Robinson, George Ford, Ellis Genge, Matías Moroni, Juan Pablo Socino, Marco van Staden, Jaco Taute, Dan Lancaster, Cyle Brink, Kobus van Wyk, Tom Youngs, Olly Robinson, Tomiwa Agbongbon, Jonny Law
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments