Tigers keep two more claws

Leicester Tigers agreed to new contracts with forward duo Steve Mafi and Julian Salvi.

Mafi arrived at Welford Road from Australia as an injury-dispensation signing in 2010 and has established himself as a stand-out performer with Tigers either as a back row forward or lock.

The Tongan international was a try-scorer in the Premiership semifinal and final in 2012/13 and man-of-the-match in the LV= Cup Final win. Mafi was also named Tigers Players' Player of the Year and the Supporters' Young Player of the Year.

Salvi, a former Australia 'A' cap, made his Tigers debut on the opening day of the 2011/12 season and has scored eight tries in 41 appearances as an openside flank.

Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Steve and Julian have become key members of our squad and firmly established themselves among the outstanding performers in the Aviva Premiership. I'm delighted that they have agreed to stay and that they feel this is the best place to play their rugby.

"Steve is just 23 years of age and we believe he will get better and better in this environment, playing alongside other top-class players.

"Julian Salvi is an important player for us as an out-and-out openside. He's just 27 but he's an experienced player and has been in very good form with us.”

Mafi and Salvi join England international duo Tom and Ben Youngs and Tigers second-row Graham Kitchener in agreeing terms to contracts beyond the end of the current season.