IN CONTENTION

Leicester are in contention for yet another league title and with their excellent timing of coming into form it would be hard to argue against them having a chance of going all the way once again. Whatever this season ends up holding for the Tigers one thing is for sure. Their ever present hooker, George Chuter is determined that he will be able to retain his place in the Tigers’ side next season.

Chuter has been at the Tigers since 2001, in which time he has collected several honours with the Tigers and picked up an impressive collection of England caps along the way. Should Chuter’s career end today he would be remembered as a successful player with a string of impressive stories to tell. But at the ripe old age of 35 he is determined that he will be able to play on for at least one more year.

“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment, I’m happy where I am in terms of fitness and physical well-being and I’m still enjoying it.”

He went on to explain how important the enjoyment factor is to his decision on when to hang up his boots. A player of Chuter’s stature will be determined to remain playing as long as he can remain competitive and he will no doubt not enjoy playing on if he cannot be able to play at the highest possible level.

He will need to remain at the top of his game in order to maintain his place in the Leicester starting 15. He will face competition from Tom Youngs, Rob Hawkins and Jimmy Stevens each trying themselves to build careers as impressive as Chuter’s.

Chuter is full of praise for his coach at Leicester, Richard Cockerill and has tipped him as a possible future England coach. “I’m not sure if he would take the job if it came along but, if you are looking around for candidates in the future, he’s got to be on the list.”