England wing Ollie Hassell-Collins’ summer move from London Irish to Leicester Tigers has been confirmed.
The 24-year-old has risen through Irish’s ranks all the way from the academy to becoming a full England Test star.
The Reading-born wing will leave the Exiles this summer to join Leicester however, in a blow to high-flying Irish.
Hassell-Collins has won his first two senior England caps in Steve Borthwick’s squad overhaul across the Six Nations, and boasts a big future in the game.
Irish have an abundance of talent in their back-three however, and have been unable to retain the powerful wing.
Fellow England star Henry Arundell is another to have broken through and made a big Test impression, and he will remain on Irish’s books.
Full-back Ben Loader continues to impress and will push for a Test breakthrough as well.
Leicester have tracked Hassell-Collins for some time, and now he will make the Welford Road switch in the summer.
Irish have pushed into the Premiership’s top-four play-off berths after their 37-22 win over Northampton on Saturday.
Rugby director Declan Kidney and head coach Les Kiss will hope that Hassell-Collins can sign off on his five years of senior action at Irish in style, by securing a first play-off run since 2009.
Kidney has been candid about the elevation of both Arundell and Hassell-Collins to England honours in Irish colours as ending “nonsense” talks that players need to leave the Exiles for Test recognition.
Irish will be itching to push stars like Loader and Tom Pearson, both on the cusp of the England picture, through to full Test status in order to vindicate Kidney’s comments still further.
“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,” said Hassell-Collins.
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 ... 😏
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 28, 2023
England international Ollie Hassell-Collins will be calling Leicester home 🏡 from next season! #TigersFamily 🐯
“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.”
Irish boss Kidney thanked Hassell-Collins for his contribution to the Exiles’ cause, in the kind of statement reserved for a player who has handled an upcoming move in respectful fashion.
“I know that alongside his contributions for London Irish, Ollie as a person will always be remembered fondly by everyone at the Club and our supporters too. I have learned a lot from Ollie as a person,” said Kidney.
“That is down to his personality and the hard work he has put in through the years to become the player that he is today, Leicester have gained a very valuable man on and off the field.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Ollie and his family for their time and effort over the years and wish them well for the future.”
