We begin with a bold truth: Hanro Liebenberg’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era at Leicester Tigers, and his return home to South Africa signals a heartfelt milestone in his career. And this is where the story gets interesting... Hanro Liebenberg will leave Leicester Tigers at the end of this season to rejoin his first professional club, the Vodacom Bulls, in South Africa.
The club is genuinely sad to see him go, but it respects and supports his decision to return to his homeland after seven outstanding years with Leicester. His blend of athleticism, endurance, and passion quickly became a core part of the team, earning him immense respect from teammates and Tigers supporters at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, where he has remained a fan favorite throughout his tenure.
During his time in Leicester, Liebenberg has appeared in 141 games and crossed the try line 31 times, contributing to Leicester’s Gallagher PREM title-winning season in 2022.
Geoff Parling commented, “Hanro has been an exceptional player and person, contributing enormously to the group. We’re deeply gutted to see him leave, but we fully understand and support his wish to return home and finish his career in South Africa.” He added that Hanro’s openness from the outset of pre-season discussions reflected his and Danielle’s desire to move Lucah closer to family, a decision the club chose to back after all he has given to the club.
Liebenberg himself spoke candidly about the decision, saying, “This has been one of the toughest choices of my career. I love this place and everyone here has given so much to me. They’ve always supported me and my family.” He expressed that while he will miss Leicester, the reflections of years to come will be filled with fond memories. He also hinted at a return visit with his family to see Mattioli Woods Welford Road again in the future.
He praised the club and its trophies but emphasized that the lasting memory will be the people—the fans who have always backed him and his family. He concluded with a note of purpose: his aim has been to leave the club in a stronger position than when he arrived, and he believes he has achieved that.
