Speaking about his new deal with the club, Hardwick said he was pleased to confirm his future at the club he considers “home”.

“This club is my home, I am really happy here and happy to have agreed this new deal,” said Hardwick.

“I want to be a part of getting Tigers back on top and having success in Leicester.”

The 20-year-old also pointed towards his team-mates as major reasons in wanting to remain at the club.

“I have been here five years, since joining the Academy and come through the grades with guys I am now playing senior rugby with and I want to keep being able to do that with them,” Hardwick added.

“The opportunity to work alongside and learn from guys like George Ford and Kyle Eastmond, as well as compete for spots with them, is something I want to continue to do here at Tigers.

“As well as the playing group and environment we have here, the chance to learn from a legend like Geordie [Murphy] is one I feel fortunate to have and want to keep getting his advice and learning from him.

“We also have the exciting prospect of Steve [Borthwick] coming in, which will be big for the club moving forward and the squad is excited about.”