England international Joe Heyes signs four-year contract to stay at Gallagher PREM side Leicester Tigers - 'Tigers through and through'
Published 30/06/2026 at 19:50 GMT+1
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Joe Heyes has signed a new four-year contract to remain at Leicester Tigers, the club announced on Tuesday, with the England international adding he is "incredibly excited about the future" of the team.
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Heyes was part of the Tigers team which won the Gallagher PREM Rugby title in 2022, and was named England's player of the season for 2026.
The prop came through Leicester's academy after joining at the age of 16, before becoming a regular in their starting team.
He had made 150 appearances for the Tigers by the age of 25, and made his 100th first team start in May.
Heyes played a key role in Leicester qualifying for the PREM play-offs this year, the team losing to eventual champions Northampton Saints in the semi-finals.
"Leicester Tigers, it’s a place that I have grown to love since arriving as a 16-year-old," the 27-year-old said. "Over the years, I’ve experienced and felt the passion for this club, through the players, coaches, backroom staff, and, of course, our incredible fans.
"My family have all become Leicester Tigers [fans], and support from all over the world, we are Tigers through and through. To be able to re-sign and continue representing this club and the people of Leicester is a privilege.
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"I’m incredibly excited about the future, we have a squad filled with talent and ambition, and I know [head coach] Geoff [Parling] shares the same passion and love for this club that I do.
"Can’t wait to see you all at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the 2026/27 season. If not, I’ll be in my garden."
Heyes began his sporting career playing football, including training at the academies of both Nottingham Forest and Derby County.
He made the switch to rugby at 14, and, after joining Leicester, was switched from No. 8 to tight-head prop shortly afterwards.
Heyes is known for his dominance in the scrum, as well as his hard work from the front row.
Heyes made his senior Tigers debut in 2018, and also represented England's under-18 and under-20 teams.
On the international stage, Heyes made his England debut in 2021, and this year cemented himself as the preferred No. 3 in Steve Borthwick's team, earning 22 caps to date.
He scored his first England try in a win over Wales in last year's Six Nations, and was voted Player of the Summer after their tour of Argentina and the US in 2025.
"Having Joe commit his long-term future here is a great statement on how much the club means to him, and coming through the Academy to winning England Men’s player of the season this year is testament to his diligence and work ethic," Parling said.
"He’s a brilliant character to have around, and what’s exciting is that I think that there’s still huge growth in his game that we look forward to developing."
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