Leicester Tigers have handed a new contract to second-rower Graham Kitchener.

The 23-year-old has made 11 appearances for the club this season, firmly establishing himself as a key member of Richard Cockerill's first team.

Kitchener told the Tigers website: "I've really enjoyed my time with Leicester Tigers so far and I'm happy to agree to stay with the club.

"I played in an Aviva Premiership Final and LV= Cup final in my first season here and I've also played in the Heineken Cup. I think I've learned a lot in my time at Leicester and I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my game here in the future."

Cockerill added: "Graham is an ambitious young player and has come into a very competitive environment here because he wants to be the best player he can.

"He has settled in very well here, he has taken on extra responsibility in his role in the squad and we look forward to watching his continued development in coming years."

Kitchener was part of the England squad that travelled to South Africa last year.