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Leicester add 6 internationals to list of 14 players departing Welford Road
By Ian Cameron
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
