Former Ulster out-half Johnny McPhillips has signed a contract extension with Leicester.
The 23-year old only joined the English Premiership side from the northern province in the summer of 2019.
McPhillips made five appearances for the Tigers in a season curtailed by coronavirus, while he's also already had loan spells at both Nottingham and Doncaster Knights in the Championship.
"Johnny hit the ground running last summer and has been a great addition to our environment, on and off the pitch", said Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy.
"He has had limited opportunities in the senior side, but each time he has been called upon he has been impressive."
The former Ireland back-row also feels McPhillips excursions in the second tier have helped his development.
"It might not have gone the way I might have planned, but it was really rewarding getting those opportunities before the break", McPhillips said of his debut season in England.
The former Ireland U20 international added, "It’s spurred me on to put down a marker when we get back and develop my game further under Geordie, Steve Borthwick and the coaching staff.
"There is talent coming in and already there in my position, which provides a competitive pool and environment to better myself as a player and is better for the club."
McPhillips is the thirteenth player to commit their future to the Welford Road side.
George Ford, Ben Youngs, Tom Youngs and Ellis Genge have all put pen-to-paper in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, former Munster strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters is among the new recruits to Murphy's backroom staff.
The Welshman worked under Rassie Erasmus with the World Cup-winning Springboks in 2019, and joins Leicester as Head of Physical Performance.
Murphy's hailed Walters' "significant" appointment, "Aled is a world-renowned, world-class coach who we are excited to have joining us in Leicester,” said Murphy.
"The addition of someone of Aled’s experience and knowledge is a significant signing for Leicester Tigers.
"He has worked with some of the game’s best athletes and been a big contributor to the successful environments he has been a part of, which will be key for us moving forward into this new chapter at Tigers."
And former Sydney University coach Rob Taylor has also joined Leicester as an assistant coach.
His arrival sees Mike Ford take up the role of defence coach.
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