Moody has been struggling with a knee injury in New Zealand

The trio, who are away on the Lions tour to New Zealand, have signed deals that will keep them at Welford Road until at least 2007.

Flanker Moody and full-back Murphy have penned three-year contracts while centre Smith has signed for two years.

"I love playing at Leicester and I couldn't imagine playing at another club," said Moody.

"My mates are here, I've had plenty of support, especially from the fans, when I was injured and I'm very lucky to have had that. I hope that I can stay here for as long as possible.

It's the only big club I know and it would be hard to imagine playing my rugby anywhere else Tigers full-back Geordan Murphy

"Personally, I'm not a big fan of contracts, I wish I could just sign a 10-year deal and not have to worry about it all the time."

Smith said that other clubs had tried to tempt him away from Welford Road.

"Other clubs were interested in me, which is always flattering, but I'm delighted to have signed a new contract," he said.

"We've had a good season on the field and from a personal point of view I think I've done OK, having steered away from serious injuries. I'd like nothing more than winning a trophy at the club next season."

Murphy said: "I've been here since the age of 19, it's the only big club I know and it would be hard to imagine playing my rugby anywhere else.

"A lot of us players have grown up together at Leicester and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside all my mates and to have such a great bunch of fans is an added bonus, too."