England Rugby Star Anthony Watson Rejects French Offers, Re-signs with Leicester Tigers

Watson will remain eligible for England selection, with the new contract to start in December: coach Dan McKellar expresses excitement about Watson's return to the struggling team.

• Anthony Watson, who has 56 England caps, has rejected offers from French clubs to re-sign with Leicester Tigers, making him eligible for further England selection.
• Watson's new contract will begin in December, delighting head coach Dan McKellar who describes securing Watson's talents as 'fantastic news' for the Tigers currently struggling in the season.
• Despite substantial interest from clubs in France, including Castres, Watson has chosen to stay with the Tigers, underlining his personal satisfaction with the team and his ambition to win more tournaments.
• His decision to stay in England follows a 'hybrid contracts' initiative aimed at retaining England's regular players within the country's clubs.
• Watson, who had previously played for Bath and had a sterling record representing England in under-20s before making his senior Test debut in 2014, scored six tries in 16 games for the Tigers last season.

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