LEICESTER are pleased to confirm popular Australian ace Ryan Douglas will be back with the club for the 2026 Premiership season.
The 32-year-old will be going into his fifth year with the Watling JCB Lions, split over two spells as he was a title-winner at Championship level in 2019, and he returned to the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park in the top-flight in 2024.
Last season was a particularly successful one for Douglas, who enjoyed an excellent Testimonial meeting – after a six-month delay due to the weather! – and he also played a big part in the Lions’ strong campaign, including silverware in the KO Cup, and the runners-up spot in the league.
Douglas raised his starting average by nearly a point, ending the season on 8.12, and that included paid maximums at home to Oxford and away at King’s Lynn, as well as a high-class 14-point score in a key win over Ipswich in August.
And off-track there was more happy news earlier this month when his partner Renee gave birth to the couple’s first child.
Douglas said: “I’ve always enjoyed being part of Leicester, both at Championship and Premiership level, and when the opportunity came to return it really was an easy decision for me.
“Working with Stewart (Dickson) is great and there’s always a good team atmosphere, which makes a difference throughout the season.
“It looks like I’ll be riding at No.1, which is an exciting challenge. I feel like I had a breakthrough with my home performances last season and believe there’s still more improvement to come.
“Thanks to everyone who’s supported me this season — I’m looking forward to seeing you all again next year.”
Douglas joins new skipper Sam Masters and Dan Thompson as confirmed signings for next season, with further news expected early in the New Year.
