Welsh Rugby

  • Home
  • Rugby
  • Leicester Tigers Roar Approval For Tommy Reffell As He Stays Out Of Wales’ Claws

Leicester Tigers Roar Approval For Tommy Reffell As He Stays Out Of Wales’ Claws

Paul JonesPaul Jones26 March 2025
Leicester Tigers' Tommy Reffell. Pic: Alamy

Leicester Tigers' Tommy Reffell. Pic: Alamy

Tommy Reffell has never played club rugby in Wales - and it looks likely the Wales flanker never will after his latest deal to stay with Leicester.

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.”

READ MORE: Tommy Reffell Happy To Face The Hairdryer Treatment For Leicester And Wales

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.”

READ MORE: Tommy Reffell Leicester Tigers

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.

Related News

Wales Women Six Nations. Pic: Alamy

Sean Lynn Insists Wales Can Be Inspired By Record Cardiff Crowd

Wales will be huge underdogs when they face England at home in the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday, but they will not be short of backing.

David Parsons | Mar 28, 2025
Dwayne Peel (left) of the Scarlets and Mark Jones of the Ospreys. Pic: Alamy

Old Wales Mates Dwayne Peel And Mark Jones Ready For Duel In The Wild West

It’s derby day out west on Saturday when the Scarlets clash with the Ospreys and two coaches revive rivalries and frienships.

Simon Thomas | Mar 27, 2025
Wales captain Hannah Jones. Pic: Alamy

Captain Hannah Jones Insists Wales Can Make Life Tough For England

Wales have the toughest job in world rugby on Saturday - stopping England from rolling on to victory in the Women’s Six Nations.

David Parsons | Mar 27, 2025
Josh Macleod of Scarlets. Pic: Alamy

Josh Macleod Vows It’s Payback Time To Scarlets Fans Ahead Of Ospreys Clash

The West Wales derby returns on Saturday, with the Scarlets desperate to upset the form book against the Ospreys.

Simon Thomas | Mar 27, 2025
Callum Sheedy of Cardiff. Pic: Alamy

Callum Sheedy Loves Cardiff . . . Hates Missing Kicks

Callum Sheedy is proving why Cardiff were so keen to sign him as he continues to guide the team to progress at the Arms Park.

Simon Thomas | Mar 24, 2025
Scotland v Wales - Women's Six Nations. Pic: Alamy

Sean Lynn Insists Wales Will Build On Losing Start To Six Nations

Wales suffered the same fate as their male colleagues as they lost the opening match of the Six Nations – but there were grounds for optimism.

Hannah Blackwell | Mar 24, 2025