Former Leicester Tigers academy captain Charlie Clare has agreed a return to the club with the hooker returning to Welford Road in the summer of 2019 ahead of next season.

Originally from Norwich, hooker Clare came through schools rugby to join the Tigers academy and earned England age-group honours before gaining senior experience in spells with Nottingham, Jersey, Loughborough Students and Bedford, where he earned selection in the Championship Team of the Year in 2014.

He joined Northampton Saints in 2016 and returned for a second spell at Bedford, passing 100 appearances for the club.

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “We obviously know a lot about Charlie from his time in the academy here and it is good to be able to welcome him back next season. He has gained some good experience since he entered senior rugby and at 27 he still has a lot of rugby ahead of him.”

Clare, 27, said: “It is extremely exciting to have the chance to return to Leicester and get the opportunity to represent Tigers again.”

“Leicester is where it started and playing at Welford Road is like nowhere else in the English game.

“Geordan has such a passion for the club and I want to be a part of what he's building at the club."

Claire’s signing makes the Tigers academy graduate the fifth new addition to confirm a move to Leicester for the 2019/2020 season and second former player to be returning alongside Calum Green.

As well as Green, other new additions include Tomas Lavanini, Nephi Leatigaga, Jordan Taufua, Jaco Taute and Noel Reid.