Saracens make big statement with signing of England forward George Martin from Leicester - 'A highly driven player'
Published 09/12/2025 at 14:33 GMT
Saracens have made a big transfer statement by announcing the signing of England forward George Martin from Leicester. The 24-year-old will join Sarries ahead of the start of next season after spending his entire professional career at Welford Road. Martin made 73 appearances for Leicester Tigers, scoring nine tries and was part of the side who won the 2022 Gallagher PREM.
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Saracens have outlined their ambitions with the signing of England lock forward George Martin from Leicester Tigers.
Martin, 24, has spent his entire career with the Tigers, having made his debut at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in September 2019. In that time, he has made 73 appearances for the club, scoring nine tries.
Martin, who can also operate as a flanker, will join Saracens at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Saracens' Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: "George is a highly driven young player who we are delighted to welcome to the club.
"His attributes and character will complement and add value to the group and we are looking forward to him realising his potential in the years ahead."
Martin was part of the Tigers side which lifted the 2022 Gallagher PREM title, coming off the bench in the 15-12 win over Saracens in the final.
He made his England debut in March 2021, replacing Billy Vunipola in the Six Nations defeat to Ireland, and now has 22 England caps, and will soon play alongside will play alongside international team-mates Ben Earl, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe and Theo Dan, as well as captain Maro Itodje at Sarries.
Martin's 6'6, 127kg frame will add significant power to the Saracens pack, as the club look to win their first Gallagher PREM title since the 2022-23 season.
"I am looking forward to the next chapter of my rugby journey," Martin added.
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Martin began playing rugby at Brooksby Melton College, before transitioning into the professional rugby game at Tigers - and within 18 months of making his club debut, he made his international debut for England.
At the 2023 World Cup, he featured in both the quarter-final victory over Fiji and the narrow semi-final defeat to South Africa, as England finished third in France.
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George Martin holds the 2022 Premiership title with England and Tigers teammates Ollie Chessum and Freddie Steward and Harry Wells.
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The Tigers were understandably upset at losing such a powerful figure, especially with Martin currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and facing a race against time to be fit to feature this season.
Head coach Geoff Parling said: "We would have liked George to stay with the club as he’s a top-quality player developed through our academy alongside many of the current team.
"While we offered George a competitive deal to remain with Tigers, he has chosen a different direction for the next stage of his career. We thank him for his time with us and wish him well."
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Quilter Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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