Leicester Tigers have agreed a new deal with Jack van Poortvliet beyond the 2022/23 season.
The scrum-half graduated from the Tigers Academy ahead of the 2019/20 campaign after winning back-to-back Under-18 League titles.
Born and raised in Norfolk, van Poortvliet represented England at Under-18 age grade level while a member of the club’s academy programme.
Scrum-half van Poortvliet was selected as part of the England Under-20 squad in 2021 and named captain, leading the team to a Six Nations Grand Slam.
He made his senior club debut on the opening weekend of the 2019/20 season, away to Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Cup, and made his 50th senior appearance in the club’s most recent Gallagher Premiership fixture at Northampton Saints.
The 21-year-old made 27 appearances during the club’s league-winning 2021/22 campaign and capped off the season with selection in the England senior men’s squad for the tour of Australia, where he made his debut in the first Test and featured in all three matches on the successful tour.
Speaking about van Poortvliet, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “Jack is a dynamic, energetic player who possesses a great skillset which is a product of an incredible work ethic and hunger to improve.”
“At only 21, Jack has captained Leicester Tigers on three occasions already and is a young man who is a leader of great character and ambition.
“It has been a real pleasure to see him grow as a player and person over the past two years and I am looking forward to continuing to be able to work alongside him into the future.
“Jack is passionate about representing Tigers and understands the club and responsibility that comes with representing it.”
Discussing his new deal, van Poortvliet added: “This is my home, this is my club and I have been here since I was a kid coming through the Academy. I am excited to be able to continue that.”
“I love being a part of this group, with a lot of guys a similar age to me who I have played alongside for years now and a great senior group who help us get better everyday.
“There was no doubt in my mind that I want to keep representing Leicester Tigers, keep learning from Steve and the coaching team and continue to be a part of this squad.
“The history of this club and quality of support we get from fans is so unique and so special, it is a privilege to be able to represent Leicester Tigers.”
JACK VAN POORTVLIET
Position: Scrum-half
Date of birth: May 15, 2001
Leicester Tigers debut: September 21, 2019
Leicester Tigers appearances: 50
Honours: England Under-18, England Under-20, England
