Wells, one of the newcomers in the England squad for the summer internationals, may not have been on any shortlist for the player of the season.
But his value to the Tigers, the club he supported as a boy to the extent of watching A league games as well as Twickenham finals – and their director of rugby Steve Borthwick, who will next month mark his first anniversary in the job – is evident.
Wells has featured in the back row, but it is at lock where he has had the biggest impact in a jersey worn a generation ago by another who never took a backward step, played to the outer edge of the boundary of the laws and epitomised a side that never gave up, Martin Johnson.
“I followed Leicester as a boy and after watching so many Premiership finals and the European Cup final against Wasps, it became my ambition to play for the club at Twickenham,” said Wells.
“I finally realised it when we met Montpellier last month in the Challenge Cup final, and while the result was not what I wanted, it was a special day.
“It means so much to play for the club I grew up watching and I worked so hard to get here. It makes me appreciate what I have, and while I feel I have played my best rugby this season, I am still improving. I am really happy with how my season has gone and with where the club is going under Steve.
“When a new coach comes in, you do not know what opinion they have of you or what they are looking for in a player. He is very good on detail, sets high standards and has really driven me. He has given me a few really clear things to base my game on, physicality, mauling and lineout, improving my focus and all-round game.
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Denne historien er fra June 13, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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