Leicester Tigers general manager Richard Wilks has spoken of his pride in Tommy Reffell’s journey after the Wales flanker committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension.
Reffell, 25, has been a key figure for Tigers since joining their academy in 2015, making over 100 appearances and cementing his reputation as one of the club’s most consistent performers.
The openside flanker has never played his club rugby in Wales but by signing rolling contract extensions at the English club, he has never been caught by the 25-cap rule.
He played a crucial role in Wales' 2023 World Cup campaign and featured in this year’s Six Nations, taking his international cap tally to 27.
Speaking on the significance of Reffell’s new deal, Wilks was full of praise for the back-rower’s growth and dedication.
“We’re very pleased to be able to truly celebrate Tommy and his journey with the club to this point with this new deal,” Wilks said.
“Tigers supporters, staff here and all of his teammates have always known how special Tommy is to the club and the contributions he has already made to the jersey, but it’s been amazing to see the rugby world take notice in the past couple of years.
“We’re immensely proud of his development here over the past 10 years and we look forward to seeing him in a Tigers jersey for many years to come.”
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Reffell, who made his 100th start for Leicester in last Friday’s emphatic 33-0 derby win over Northampton Saints, shared his excitement about continuing his career at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
“I’m so happy to be staying at Tigers,” the Welshman said.
“This club has given me so much and I’ve achieved a lot of my goals here, so I just want to keep earning that faith they’ve shown in me through what I do on the field.
“Playing at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and how Tigers supporters have embraced me over the years has definitely been a huge factor in any progress I’ve made and I’m proud to know this is where I’ll be playing my rugby.”
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Reffell began his junior career at his local club Pencoed RFC aged four. He was part of the Ospreys under 16s but joined Leicester aged 15.
Reffell isn’t the only forward to commit his future to the club, with fellow back-rower Emeka Ilione and lock Tom Manz also agreeing new terms.
Ilione, 22, has made 38 senior appearances while balancing his rugby career with medical studies at the University of Nottingham. Wilks highlighted his impressive progress this season.
“Emeka has taken massive strides in his development this season,” he said.
Manz, 23, has also been making his mark, having made his Premiership debut against Gloucester earlier this season.
With Reffell leading the way, Leicester Tigers continue to build for the future, securing the core of a squad that will look to challenge for silverware in the years ahead.
