Ollie Hassell-Collins: Leicester Tigers swoop to sign England wing as London Irish lose star player

Leicester Tigers have handed their supporters a major boost by announcing the signing of England wing Ollie Hassell-Collins ahead of next season.

The 24-year-old finisher will join the club from London Irish, a side he’s shone for in recent years and become a player to watch for many rugby followers.

Livewire winger Hassell-Collins has represented England at age-grade levels, Sevens and made his senior international debut during this year’s Six Nations.

England international on his way

After graduating from the Exiles Academy, the all-action outside back has become a prolific try-scorer for the London outfit since his senior debut in 2018.

Speaking about the addition of Hassell-Collins, Leicester Tigers interim head coach Richard Wigglesworth was clearly delighted to complete the key signing.

“Ollie is one of the game’s most exciting young wingers, and it’s very pleasing that he will be a Leicester Tigers player from next season,” said the head coach.

“He has shown in the short time he’s spent in the senior game that he is capable of scoring tries and is also a physical presence out wide, in attack and defence, that we’re looking forward to having here at the club.

“Ollie deservedly made his Test debut this season and that experience, especially alongside some of his future Tigers team-mates, is fantastic for him and his game development.

“What’s most pleasing and exciting is that there is still so much growth in Ollie and his game, which we are confident he will gain at Leicester Tigers.”

Incoming Leicester Tigers head coach Dan McKellar added: “Ollie is a great addition to what is an exciting group, which I cannot wait to work with starting from next season.

“He is an international, who is already very experienced in the Premiership at a young age.

McKellar excited by the arrival

“The squad put together for next year is a great mix of youth and experience, which I hope Leicester Tigers supporters are as excited as I am about.”

Discussing his upcoming move, Hassell-Collins labelled Leicester Tigers as the “biggest club in England” and can’t wait to get to work for the Premiership side.

“It’s the biggest club in England and hard to say no, when they want to come and chat with you. It excites me a lot, being a part of Leicester Tigers,” he said.

“I know some of the guys and am looking forward to being a part of the young group and what is a pretty crazy potential line-up in the backline.

“It’s a hell of a ground, Mattioli Woods Welford Road, and when you think about Leicester Tigers, you think about the stadium and crowd, how hostile it is, and it’s exciting to know I’ll be on the home side of that.”

Not easy to leave London Irish

Whilst being excited about moving to Leicester, Hassell-Collins also found time to express his gratitude for the support received during his time in west London.

“A decision to leave a place like London Irish is never an easy one, they have provided me with more than I can put into words in my time here, but I feel the time is right for a new challenge,” he told the club’s website.

“Throughout my years with Irish and to this day, I have always been surrounded by excellent coaches, staff and players and I want to thank them for playing a very important role in my journey.

“There is still a lot to play for this season, and rest assured, I will do my utmost to repay the work put in and play my part in the really important games coming up for London Irish.

“Finally, I want to thank the supporters of this very special club for their support of me and the team through good times and bad, and I am confident that they will be rewarded for their continued faith in the club very soon.”

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