Anthony Watson: Leicester Tigers re-sign England winger

Antony Watson has scored 23 tries in 56 games for England - and also won five caps for the British & Irish Lions

England wing Anthony Watson has re-signed for Leicester Tigers.

The 29-year-old, who missed the Rugby Union World Cup with a calf injury, spent last season with Tigers.

He appeared to have left when his deal expired this summer but has now signed a new contract starting in December.

"I'm really happy to get the deal over the line and restart my journey with Tigers. I really enjoyed being part of the Tigers last year. The squad, staff and fans were class," said Watson.

"Ultimately, I came to join a great squad and win things and my goal hasn't changed."

Watson had been expected to follow a number of fellow England internationals in moving abroad.

But Tigers head coach Dan McKellar wanted Watson back - after an iffy start to the season which has brought only one win from their first three Premiership matches.

"He's a world class player," McKellar told BBC Radio Leicester. "He's played international rugby for a long time now. He's a real point of difference with his footwork, agility, acceleration and speed.

"I've always admired from afar. He's an experienced, quality player and, with where we hope to take the team going forward, his skill set suits us."

Watson scored six tries in 16 games last season following his arrival from Bath after nine years at the Recreation Ground.

He began his career with two years at London Irish, where he first represented England at Under-20 level before making his senior Test debut as a Bath player in 2014.

Tigers are back in action on Saturday with a tough Premiership trip to Saracens, when both sides may have the option of having some of their World Cup players back.

McKellar dismisses Australia job talk as 'media speculation'

Dan McKellar, who started as Leicester Tigers head coach in July, dismissed 'media speculation' linking him with the Australia job

Leicester coach McKellar took the chance at his weekly pre-match press conference to dismiss talk linking him with the vacancy as Australia coach following the Wallabies' disastrous Rugby Union World Cup under the now departed Eddie Jones.

"One thing I can't control is media speculation," McKellar told BBC Radio Leicester, "and that's what it is. They've got to fill newspapers and websites and put stories in place for people to read, and media speculation about who replaces Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach is completely out of my control.

"I've moved my family here; we're very happy here; the girls are settled at school; loving life in the East Midlands, and that's all I'm focussing on.

"One hundred per cent, I'm staying here."

Tigers coach Dan McKellar was talking to BBC Radio Leicester's Adam Whitty