Three international stars set to depart Leicester Tigers next summer
10/11/2024 03:45 AM
Leicester Tigers could be staring down the barrel of a squad rebuild at the end of the season, with three high-profile internationals potentially bidding farewell to Welford Road. Let's take a closer look at the big names on the move.
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Montoya’s Pau-er Play
Argentina captain Julian Montoya looks set to swap Welford Road for the French sun, with Top 14 side Pau emerging as the front-runners for his signature. According to RugbyPass, the 31-year-old hooker is nearing the end of his contract, with French clubs queuing up for his services.
Montoya, fresh from earning his 100th cap for Los Pumas, has become a fixture in world rugby, leading Argentina to famous wins over South Africa and Australia. He's no slouch at club level either, helping Leicester clinch the Gallagher Premiership title in 2022 and racking up an impressive 26 tries in 59 appearances.
Yet, despite his cult status at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Montoya hasn't suited up for the Tigers this season, thanks to his national team commitments in the Rugby Championship. With Pau keen to snap him up, Montoya's future looks increasingly set across the Channel.
Pollard’s Japanese Adventure 2.0?
Handré Pollard, Leicester's World Cup-winning fly-half, is reportedly mulling over a return to Japan's Rugby League One. Pollard, who joined the Tigers in 2022, has been a crucial cog in their backline, but with his contract expiring soon, the South African star is attracting interest from Japan, where he played briefly in 2016.
The 30-year-old is reportedly one of the top earners at Leicester, pocketing a cool £600,000 annually. But as the season winds down, Leicester are already scanning the horizon for potential replacements, with Pollard eyeing a second stint in Asia's rising rugby league.
With two World Cups under his belt, Pollard's future is a hot topic, and a return to Japan seems more and more likely as the season progresses.
Watson to Walk?
Anthony Watson, the flying winger for England, could be the third major departure from Leicester, with his contract also up at the end of the 2024/25 season. Watson, who boasts 55 England caps and five British & Irish Lions Test appearances, is reportedly attracting significant interest.
Injury ruled Watson out of England's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, but his international pedigree remains undeniable. If the 29-year-old fails to regain a place in the England setup, he might be tempted to chase a lucrative overseas move for what could be his final payday in rugby.
With clubs circling, Watson's future at Welford Road is far from certain, adding more intrigue to what could be a turbulent off-season for the Tigers.
Potential Replacements for Pollard at Leicester Tigers
Sam Costelow: A Rising Star from Scarlets
RugbyPass reports that Leicester is preparing for Pollard's potential exit, with Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, a former Leicester player, among their shortlist of replacements.
The 23-year-old has already earned 15 caps for Wales but faces a challenge under Gatland's law, which requires players to have 25 caps for national selection while playing abroad.
This means Costelow would need to secure 10 more caps before considering a return to Leicester if he hopes to continue representing Wales.
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