Leicester Tigers have released fly-half Charlie Atkinson from his contract, allowing him to explore a new opportunity with another Gallagher Premiership club.
Since joining in October 2022, Atkinson contributed to 24 games for the Tigers, with his final match against Stade Francais in Paris.
Speaking about the release, Atkinson said: “After Wasps, and everything that happened, Leicester and this group of lads took me in and treated me like family, so I’ll always have fond memories of the club.”
“I want to thank the Tigers fans for all their support and wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season.”
Leicester Tigers General Manager Richard Wilks added: “Charlie is a player of immense potential and a popular member of our group, so he’ll certainly be missed at the club.”
“The reality is there are longer term squad management factors at play when you operate within any salary cap sport and in this instance, a good opportunity arose for Charlie to move and allowing him to go now assists us with our squad management moving forward.
“It’s pleasing that Charlie got to finish on a high note with us against Stade Francais and we wish him well for the future.”
The club has since been confirmed as Gloucester.
“A show pony” – Who are the most overrated and underrated rugby players of all-time?
Brace yourself for the controversial results that are sure to spark debates and stir the rugby community.
UNDERRATED PLAYERS
#3. Simon Shaw (England)
‘Underappreciated’ and ‘unfortunate’ are two words which probably encapsulate Shaw. Despite incredible longevity and a durability few other rugby players could match, particularly as the game became more and more physical, Shaw should have easily amassed over 100 caps.
Legend of the game Martin Johnson, who was an inspirational leader and brilliant player, generally stood in his way, but the Wasps man’s skills were often underutilised by those that coached him.
Former Wales assistant and defence coach guru Shaun Edwards even said Shaw is the ‘most underrated player in recent history’.
#2. Agustin Creevy (Argentina)
One of the game’s most intelligent ball-handling forwards, Creevy backs up a superb work-rate in the loose with granite physicality in the tight, with his ability to win direct collisions against opposition forwards one of his key attributes. Very underrated.