Chessum hits 50 and links up with Martin in the row

AS he prepares to make his 50th appearance for Leicester against Bath, Ollie Chessum is set for a new experience - a first start in the Tigers second row alongside England colleague George Martin.

-  JON NEWCOMBE

It is a surprising statistic considering both broke into the Leicester first team in the same 2019/20 season and have now played over 100 games for the club between them.

The pair's versatility in being able to play lock or in the back row as well as England call-ups and injuries have conspired against them locking down together in the engine room.

"Me and George always seem to pass each other in the second row, one of us comes off as the other comes on, so we've not had much of an opportunity to play together in the row, and it is something we've been looking forward to for a long time," said Chessum, who has worn the numbers four, five six, seven and eight on his back in his time at the club.

"I have played with George for a long while and we know what he is about. He is a very physical player and I like to pride myself on my athleticism as well, so they are two things that complement each other very well."

Chessum made his Tigers' first-team debut away to Gloucester in August 2020 while still just about in his teens and, like Martin, has gone on to become a well-established England international.