Veteran England prop Julian White has penned a new deal with Guinness Premiership champions Leicester Tigers.
The tighthead, who combines his time at Welford Road with his commitments on his farm, is approaching 150 appearances for the Tigers having joined from Bristol in 2003.
White had to watch as club understudy Dan Cole took his place in the England No.3 shirt during the 2010 RBS 6 Nations campaign.
Despite his advancing years, White is still acknowledged as one of the most destructive scrummagers in world rugby and Leicester boss Richard Cockerill was thrilled to have him commit his future in the East Midlands.
He said: “Everyone knows what Julian brings to the game. He is in the very top category of scrummagers in world rugby and experience counts for a lot in the front row.
“He has been a great servant of Tigers over the last six years and is a popular guy with his colleagues and the supporters. I’m delighted that he has agreed terms to continue playing for us.
“Julian combines his rugby with his farming commitments and I’m sure he’d say that balance helps to keep him fresh and enthusiastic about the game.”
As well as Cole, White has to battle Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni for a starting place at the Tigers while he has not given up on adding to his 51 England caps with the summer tour fast approaching,
White said: “I’m still enjoying my rugby and my time at Leicester Tigers, so I was very pleased to agree a new contract at the club.
“This is a great place to play your rugby and any player wants that to continue as long as possible.”
Meanwhile Tigers vice-captain and former All Black Aaron Mauger has been forced to retire because of a persistent back injury,
The centre was expected to leave Welford Road to return to New Zealand to play in the 2011 World Cup but unfortunately the 29-year-old has had to call it a day.
He said: “After many specialist treatments I have been unable to regain full fitness,” Mauger told the club website.
“Unfortunately retiring now seems the last but only realistic option.”
