Leicester Tigers captain Ollie Chessum has adopted a more assertive leadership style following a recent Champions Cup defeat, emphasizing the importance of candid communication and team accountability. Speaking ahead of Leicester’s East Midlands derby against Northampton Saints at Welford Road, Chessum reflected on the changes within the squad and his approach to leadership.

The England lock acknowledged the impact of Leicester’s 41-17 loss to Pau last weekend, describing it as a catalyst for a firm team meeting where the leadership group addressed performance issues head-on. “It was important for us as a leadership group to be pretty blunt calling out some of the stuff we saw that isn’t acceptable,” Chessum said, acknowledging that while there were positive moments, the overall display fell short of expectations.

Chessum’s leadership evolution has been noticeable at the club’s training base at Oval Park in Oadby. Since returning from the British & Irish Lions tour last summer, he has demanded higher standards from both himself and his teammates. This shift is complemented by a leadership group that balances positive reinforcement and critical scrutiny, with teammate Joe Heyes tending to highlight strengths while Chessum focuses on areas for improvement.

At 26, Chessum is considered a key figure in Leicester’s future and a potential successor to Maro Itoje as England captain, although he emphasizes the gradual nature of his development. He remains conscious of his role in fostering growth among the younger players, many of whom are 18 or 19 years old and still adjusting to senior rugby. Reflecting on his own early days at Leicester, Chessum recalled being quiet and nervous, often reluctant to speak up in team meetings.

Encouragement from former coaches and senior players such as Steve Borthwick, Brett Deacon, and Julián Montoya played a significant role in helping Chessum develop his communication skills, particularly in taking ownership of Leicester’s lineout calls. Now, he actively seeks to involve quieter members of the squad in discussions, promoting the idea that leadership requires speaking out and contributing to the team dynamic.

Chessum believes that a degree of “niggle” and competitive edge on the field enhances the spectacle of the game, provided it does not cross into dangerous play. “We need a bit of niggle to add to the spectacle; it’s how sport is,” he stated, underlining the importance of intensity and engagement for players and supporters alike.

Growing up a Tigers fan in Lincolnshire, Chessum described captaining Leicester as both a “privilege” and a “big responsibility.” His connection to the club runs deep, with his family still attending matches from their regular seats at Welford Road. Looking ahead, Chessum is focused on helping Leicester climb the Premiership table and preparing for a significant role in England’s 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign.

“I take a lot of pride in that and, seeing guys like Maro Itoje, you want to push yourself up to that level and keep learning and growing to be the best leader you can be,” he said.