Steve Mafi: Staying at Leicester

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Leicester Tigers have announced that new contracts have been agreed with forward duo Steve Mafi and Julian Salvi.

Mafi arrived at Welford Road from Australia as an injury-dispensation signing in the summer of 2010 and has established himself as a stand-out performer with Tigers either as a second-rower or lock.

The Tonga international was a try-scorer in the Premiership semi-final and final in 2011/12 and man-of-the-match in Leicester's 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 flanker.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill is delighted that duo has decided to extend their stay at the club.

"Steve and Julian have become key members of our squad and firmly established themselves among the outstanding performers in the Aviva Premiership," he said.

"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.