Leicester Tigers have agreed a new deals with back-rower Tommy Reffell outside-backs Jordan Olowofela and Sam Aspland-Robinson.
An age-grade representative and captain of Wales at Under-18 and Under-20 levels, Reffell has recommitted his future to Tigers over returning to his home nation following interest in the flanker’s signature from Welsh regions.
Since his debut towards the end of 2017, the openside flanker has made 24 senior appearances for Tigers.
Olowofela represented England at Under-20s level in 2018, playing a starring role in the run to the Junior World Cup Final.
The 22-year-old, capable of playing at centre, full-back or on the wing, has scored six senior tries.
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Meanwhile, an England Rugby age-grade representative, Aspland-Robinson was a member of the national Under-20s squad which won the 2017 Junior World Cup.
Capable of playing anywhere in the outside-backs, the versatile and reliable Aspland-Robinson extends his current deal which he re-signed in January of this year.
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LIST | 5 Englishmen who’ll represent other nations when rugby returns
1. Johnny Williams (Wales)
Place of birth: Weston-super-Mare
Back playing rugby following his cancer recovery, centre Johnny Williams is poised to exit Newcastle Falcons to join Scarlets, according to Wales Online. The 23-year-old made an appearance with the red rose on his chest only last year, starting inside-centre for an England XV against the Barbarians. And with a father from north Wales, Williams also qualifies to pull on the red jersey – with that sole appearance at Twickenham not committing him to England as it was an uncapped match.
2. WillGriff John (Wales)
Place of birth: Plymouth
Born in England but raised in the South Wales Valleys, John began his playing career at Pontypridd as well as representing Wales at all Junior Levels. He also played for Cardiff Blues and was part of the squad that won the European Challenge Cup in 2010. In 2013 he moved to New Zealand and played for two seasons in the ITM Cup with the province of Northland.
WillGriff then returned to the UK and joined Doncaster in the Championship in 2014. On 3 May 2017 John was signed by Sale Sharks. Becoming a first-team regular for Sale, in the English Premiership.
After receiving a call-up during the 2020 Six Nations, the powerhouse is almost guaranteed to win his first cap when international rugby returns.
3. Billy Burns (Ireland)
Place of birth: Bath
Born in England, Burns represented England for youth rugby union teams, before being called to represent Ireland at the 2020 Six Nations Championship.
Despite not winning a cap, the 25-year-old has been in fine form for Ulster and will likely be given his international debut when Test rugby returns.
4. Charlie Chapman (Scotland)
Place of Birth: Gloucester
The scrum-half quaifies for Scotland through his Glaswegian grandafther and is currently attached to English Premiership side Gloucester's academy.
He was dual-registered Hartpury for the 2018/19 season, as well as playing A league rugby for the United.
Chapman represented Scotland in the U20s Six Nations and earned selection for the Junior World Championship in France
He was added to the Cherry & Whites first team squad for the 2019/20 season and with that his stock has continued to rise. Gregor Townsend should and probably is keeping a close eye.
