Lewis Moody, Ollie Smith and Geordan Murphy, who are on tour in New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions, have all put pen to paper on new contracts at Welford Road.

World Cup winner Moody, 27, who has signed a three-year deal, was delighted with his new contract.

Its fantastic news; these things tend to take a long time as everyone wants whats best for them, he said.

Personally, Im not a big fan of contracts; I wish I could just sign a 10-year deal and not have to worry about it all the time.

I love playing at Leicester and I couldnt imagine playing at another club. My mates are here, Ive had plenty of support, especially from the fans, when I was injured and Im very lucky to have had that. I hope that I can stay here for as long as possible.

Englands Smith revealed he had plenty of offers from clubs trying to lure him away from the Tigers.

Other clubs were interested in me, which is always flattering, but Im delighted to have signed a new two-year deal with Leicester, said the 22-year-old.

We've had a good season on the field and from a personal point of view I think Ive done okay, having steered away from serious injuries. The opportunity to work with Pat Howard is another plus and Id like nothing more than winning a trophy at the club next season.

Ireland international Murphy, 27, is another player who has spent his whole career at Leicester.

I love Leicester. Ive been here since the age of 19; its the only big club I know and it would be hard to imagine playing my rugby anywhere else, said the full-back, who has signed for three more years.

A lot of us players have grown up together at Leicester, having come through the various age groups and Im delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside all my mates and to have such a great bunch of fans is an added bonus, too.