Tigers full back/wing Johne Murphy is the latest first-team player to commit his future to the club.

The 23-year-old joined Tigers on a loan spell from Irish side Naas during the 2005/06 season and has gone on to make 44 first-team appearances since making his debut against Harlequins in September 2006.

"I've loved my time with Tigers so far," says Murphy. "They looked after me when I injured my knee when I first came to the club and they've shown a lot of loyalty towards me.

"I'm really enjoying playing here, as well as my life outside of rugby. I've made friends for life in Leicester and I'm not pushed to be moving on."

Murphy, who has missed just three of Tigers' 28 games this season, was delighted to agree a new deal with the reigning Guinness Premiership and EDF Energy Cup holders, especially as he insists the quality of players at the club can only help him improve his own game.

"I keep having to pinch myself this year. I've worked hard but I'm nowhere near the complete player and I know have to keep on trying to improve. It's been brilliant playing with the quality of players we have here. They've all helped me improve so much and, hopefully, I can keep improving as a player.

"We're in the EDF Energy Cup Final this weekend and we're keen to make a real push in the Guinness Premiership as well so things are really enjoyable here at the moment."

Tigers head coach Marcelo Loffreda was equally pleased that the Irishman has decided to commit himself to the club.

"I'm very pleased that Johne has signed a new contract," says Loffreda. "It's good news for the club. He has been in very impressive form this season and we think he has a bright future. We are all glad that his future will be here with Tigers."