Why Liebenberg committed to Leicester Tigers
NEWS: Leicester Tigers have agreed on a new deal with back-row Hanro Liebenberg.
The 26-year-old has made 44 senior appearances for the club since debuting in 2019 after joining Tigers from the South African Super Rugby side, the Bulls.
Liebenberg captained the Junior Springboks to a Bronze Medal at the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship and spent the 2018/19 season at French club, Stade Francais.
Liebenberg was voted Player of the Year at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season and, ahead of the current campaign, appointed as the club’s vice-captain.
Discussing his decision to extend his time at the club, Liebenberg said: “To be a part of this club is a great opportunity.
“Especially now, to be a part of what we are building and this group of people, it was honestly a no-brainer for me.
“This is a great group to be a part of, with most definitely the best depth in a squad I have experienced.
“It’s a testament to the coaches and recruitment team, to have developed players and got guys in who can add to what we are building and contribute to the club.”
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Liebenberg also shared his delight at being able to continue to work under Steve Borthwick and represent Tigers fans.
“Steve and this coaching team are brilliant,” he said.
“Every single day you learn something, by the way they coach and approach whatever we are doing.
“Having fans back with us now, hearing the noise they create and the atmosphere they build, it doesn’t compare to anything else for me.
“The way Tigers fans lift us throughout games, sometimes even not on game days with messages you get and conversations you have, it is unbelievable.”
Speaking about Liebenberg, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Steve Borthwick said: “Hanro is an excellent player and a deserved winner of the Player of the Season award last season.
“He is an all-round rugby player, who carries well, defends well and is great at the set piece.
“What he also is within our group is a fabulous leader, on and off the pitch, who other players look up to and learn from.”
