Leicester Tigers forward Mike Williams has agreed new contract terms to remain at Welford Road beyond the end of the current season.
The Zimbabwe-born Williams joined Tigers in the summer of 2015 and was named in the England Elite Player Squad for 2016/17, joining the training squad in the Six Nations period last season.
The 26-year-old has been involved in six games so far this season, and has made 37 appearances since arriving from Worcester Warriors.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor, confirming the new contract, said: “Mike is a strong presence in the back row and has some good experience at this level now.
“We were keen to extend his contract and he was keen to stay here so we’re delighted that terms have now been agreed and look forward to his continued development here.”
Front-rower Greg Bateman has also agreed on a new contract with Tigers
Bateman, who created a piece of Tigers history in 2016/17 by playing in all three front-row positions during the season, is approaching 50 first-team appearances for the club since his arrival from Exeter Chiefs in the summer of 2015.
Head coach Matt O’Connor said: “Greg came in a couple of seasons ago as a hooker but has now firmly established himself in a competitive pool of props and he’s enjoying his rugby with us.
“He has worked hard to develop his all-round game and has played in some big occasions here over the last three years. We’re happy to agree new contract terms and look forward to his continued input in the squad.”
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The 28-year-old Bateman said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two-and-a-half years here and I am delighted to extend my stay.
“We have a really strong group of players and a really good coaching staff in place to achieve what we want to achieve, so it was a really easy decision to make and I am looking forward to the challenges.
“The age profile is very good, so as a group there is so much more growth to come. It’s an exciting time to be a Tiger.”