ON THE BLINDSIDE
Freddie Steward could become the next big name to quit Premiership champions Leicester Tigers by taking advantage of a break clause in his contract.
The England full-back who joined the Tigers from Norwich School could follow his fellow Red Rose stars George Ford and Ellis Genge out of the Welford Road exit door.
Fly-half Ford and prop Genge joined Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears respectively this summer after invoking get-out clauses in their deals.
Steward, who has scored eight tries in 21 appearances for the Tigers, has a similar clause in his deal, and it has already alerted rival clubs that he could be available next summer.
Blindside understands that the Tigers have failed to agree terms on an extension with Steward, who has made the full-back spot in Eddie Jones' set up his own this season.
His blistering form for club and country saw him named the RPA young player of the year and England men's player of the season in May.
Steward, who used to have a part-time job at Costa coffee, has seen his stock rise considerably since he extended his contract as a development player two years ago.
