Coventry player-of-the-season Will Wand from Spalding delight at joining boyhood club Leicester Tigers

Boyhood Leicester Tigers fan Will Wand has described joining the Premiership giants as a “dream come true”.

The 22-year-old from Spalding has made the step up from Championship outfit Coventry.

“Growing up a Leicester fan played a big role in my childhood,” admitted Wand. “The Tigers have the biggest stadium and arguably one of the biggest fanbases in the world.

“Going there as a kid you experience a great atmosphere and the Tigers family, and now being part of that is a dream come true.

“It’s not just me joining a club, it’s my childhood dream coming true.

“There’s a long way to go before I may get my first chance but for now, I just want to compete in my position, help create a competitive environment and help the team when needed.”

Wand joins on the back of a stunning campaign for Coventry where he scored 14 tries in 22 appearances and was player of the year at Coventry. He was also named in the Championship’s team of the season at outside-centre.

Nothing is guaranteed and chances may be few and far between initially but Wand admitted Leicester was a club he could never turn down.

“I was fortunate enough to have a pretty good season at Coventry,” added Wand. “I was given the game time needed to show off my ability.

“Leicester had shown interest and invited me to a meeting to get to know me. After that, it developed and I was lucky enough to be offered a place in the squad.

“I had lots of thoughts going through my mind. Out of all the clubs at the top level, I was lucky they were the ones.

“There was always the option to stay at Coventry and be given more game time and there is always a risk moving up a level you’re not guaranteed anything.

“But I thought this was the right opportunity for me as they don’t come around often especially with Leicester.

“I want to bring my strengths and continue working hard that was my trademark.

“On the pitch and off it, I’ll stick to my strengths. I want to bring what I can and working under new coaches and being in the new environment, I want to show I can adapt and become a better player.

“I understand what Leicester is about as well and the standards they expect so I hope it becomes second nature.

“I will work hard, I’ll look to carry and tackle hard, do the dirty work. I’ll put myself on the line for the badge and that’s what the fans in the stands want to see as well.”

Wand’s senior career began with Cambridge where the then-teenager made 20 appearances in National League One before earning his move to Coventry.

He’s got links to Leicester having also been involved in their development programmes as a youngster.

“I’ve had a fair few messages from family and friends which has been nice,” he added.

“A lot of people have shown their appreciation and the reaction from Leicester fans has been nice.

“The coaches have welcomed me, and I’ve had a few messages from the playing staff.

“Ben Youngs is one of them, he was one I looked up to when I was growing up, along with Anthony Watson, those sorts of players I watched before, so it will be strange playing with them now.”

Leicester Tigers general manager Richard Wilks said: “Will is a player well known to people at the club having attended Brooksby Melton College.

“We have tracked his progress in the Championship at Coventry, where he has excelled. We are looking forward to welcoming one of our own into the club.”