Leicester Tigers v Harlequins Rugby Digital Matchday Programme (15-05-2021)

LEICESTER TIGERs

VERSUS

HARLEQUINS

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03

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

THE TEAMS

LEICESTER TIGERS

HARLEQUINS

S TA R T I N G X V -

FREDDIE STEWARD

T P C D

15

T P C D

ROSS CHISHOLM

-

-

GUY PORTER

T P C D

14

T P C D

TYRONE GREEN

-

SCO

MATT SCOTT

T P C D

13

T P C D

JOE MARCHANT

ENG

DAN KELLY

T P C D

12

T P C D

LUKE NORTHMORE

-

FIJI

NEMANI NADOLO

T P C D

11

T P C D

CADAN MURLEY

-

ENG

GEORGE FORD

T P C D

10

T P C D

MARCUS SMITH

-

-

ENG / LIONS

BEN YOUNGS

T P C D

9

T P C D

DANNY CARE

ENG

ENG

ELLIS GENGE

T P C D

1

T P C D

JOE MARLER

ENG / LIONS

ENG / LIONS

TOM YOUNGS (C)

T P C D

2

T P C D

SCOTT BALDWIN

WAL

ENG / LIONS

DAN COLE

T P C D

3

T P C D

WILCO LOUW

SAF

HARRY WELLS

T P C D

4

T P C D

MATT SYMONS

-

-

CALUM GREEN

T P C D

5

T P C D

STEPHAN LEWIES (C)

ENG

GEORGE MARTIN

T P C D

6

T P C D

TOM LAWDAY

-

-

TOMMY REFFELL

T P C D

7

T P C D

JACK KENNINGHAM

-

-

JASPER WIESE

T P C D

8

T P C D

ALEX DOMBRANDT

-

-

CHARLIE CLARE

T P C D

-

LUAN DE BRUIN

T P C D

17

T P C D

SANTIAGO GARCIA BOTTA

ARG

-

JOE HEYES

T P C D

18

T P C D

WILL COLLIER

ENG

-

HANRO LIEBENBERG

T P C D

19

T P C D

DINO LAMB

-

-

CYLE BRINK

T P C D

20

T P C D

ARCHIE WHITE

-

-

SAF

R E P L AC E M E N T S

ENG FIJI

16

T P C D

JOE GRAY

ENG

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

T P C D

21

T P C D

MARTIN LANDAJO

ARG

ZACK HENRY

T P C D

22

T P C D

JAMES LANG

SCO

KINI MURIMURIVALU

T P C D

23

T P C D

PAUL LASIKE

USA

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS CONTENTS 3 TEAMS 7

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

11

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

13

CLUB NEWS

16

INTERNATIONAL DATE FOR TIGERS

22

BIG MATCH PREVIEW

25

MEET THE OPPOSITION

30

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP UPDATE

34

FULL FIXTURE LIST

36

PLAYER STATS

40

TIGERS MATCHFILE

44

COMMUNITY TEAM

46

FROM THE BOARDROOM

48

EVENTS NEWS

52

TIGERS PLAYING SQUAD

60

THE TIGERS FOUNDATION

64

MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION

66

JUNIOR TIGERS CLUB

69

THE STAT PACK

70

ON THIS DAY

76

TIGERS FANZONE

LEICESTER FOOTBALL CLUB PLC Telephone 0116 319 8888 www.leicestertigers.com Facebook.com/LeicesterTigers Twitter @LeicesterTigers instagram.com/leicestertigers Executive Chairman: Peter Tom CBE Chief Executive: Andrea Pinchen Head Coach: Steve Borthwick Directors: Petar Cvetkovic,

Duncan Green, Ben Kay MBE, Fintan Kennedy, Tom Scott Company Secretary: Mary Ford Life Members: Garry Adey, John Allen, Bob Beason, Paul Dodge, Matt Hampson OBE, Dusty Hare MBE, Roy Jackson, Martin Johnson CBE, Ian Smith, Peter Wheeler Club Statistician/Historian: Stuart Farmer Child Protection Officer: Matt Johnson

ROLL OF HONOUR European Champions: 2000-01, 2001-02 English Champions: 1987-88, 1994-95, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-13 Zurich Championship Winners: 2000-01 Cup Winners: 1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1992-93, 1996-97

Anglo-Welsh Cup Winners: 2006-07, 2011-12, 2016-17 Premiership ‘A’ League Winners: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2010-11 Premiership U21 League Winners: 2002-03 Premiership Academy U18 League Winners: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 (joint)

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07

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Peter Tom CBE

CHAIRMAN Opening words from the Chairman of the Leicester Tigers.

A very warm welcome from the Leicester Tigers, wherever you are following the match this afternoon.

This is our first home game since the thrilling win over Ulster in the European Challenge Cup semi-final and, significantly, it is also the last one before supporters are scheduled to be welcomed back into the stadium.

The game against Bristol Bears here on Saturday, June 5 will be our first in front of a crowd - even in reduced numbers since February last year and, if you joined the ticket ballot, you should now have all the details of how you can attend.

After more than 15 months with gates closed, that is a day we are all getting excited about and I’m sure you feel the same way.

It also means that we will have another big game for supporters to attend with the European Challenge Cup Final against Montpellier next week and then that date with Bristol next month.

In the weeks to follow, Mattioli Woods Welford Road also stages an England representative fixture and the Varsity Matches between the university teams of Oxford and Cambridge, which has a huge history attached to it and will add another chapter to the stadium’s story.

As a club, we feel hugely honoured to be able to host these events and even more so in the knowledge that supporters will be allowed to share them.

It is also great to see our Academy team is back in league action after a long absence and we wish the players and coaching team well in their remaining fixtures after a hard-earned win at Bath last weekend.

good to see them fight their way back into the game though, as Steve said immediately after, it was frustrating that “damage had been done” in the opening stages against a strong home team.

We are extremely proud of our place in this great sporting city and county and, on behalf of everyone at the Tigers, today I send very best wishes to our

It is an honour to host the Varsity Matches

Today, our focus is on an in-form Harlequins and we welcome their players and officials this afternoon for the penultimate home game of the league season.

A young Tigers team showed plenty of spirit in the game at Sale Sharks last Friday and it was

neighbours at Leicester City ahead of the FA Cup Final at Wembley and hope they can bring more success to Leicester and Leicestershire.

As always, thank you for your support of the Tigers. We all look forward to seeing you again in person very soon.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Head coach Steve Borthwick

FROM THE TOUCHLINE “We are making progress, but we know we have a lot of work to do and have not shied away from that.

I want to win each week we play, and at the same time I have got to develop this team and build depth and competition, and players have to be exposed to playing at the highest level possible. We’ve seen how they have stepped forward and pushed their cases.

As the squad spends more time together, you can see the development. Players are getting more familiar with each other - most of them have played less than 20 games for Leicester Tigers, a lot of them less than 15. It is going to take time but gradually those relationships are developing.”

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

13

CLUB NEWS Academy The Tigers Academy team are back in action next weekend with a league game against Sale Sharks after winning at Bath last time out.

This season’s fixtures are being played over a month-long league programme following 12 months without a game at this level.

Shop open

Tony back in town Tony Underwood is heading back to Mattioli Woods Welford Road as a guest at The Varsity Matches in July.

As well as starring for Leicester Tigers, England and British & Irish Lions, Underwood also has experience of the ‘Battle of the Blues’ as a Cambridge University player and will share his experiences in a special question-and-answer session for hospitality guests at this year’s event on Sunday, July 4.

Matchday hospitality places are on sale now, with the opportunity to book a table in the Honours Suite or take advantage of a private space with a view from an Executive Box. The Honours Suite package is highlighted by the return of Underwood who scored 57 tries in just 92 games for Tigers, and won league and cup titles with Leicester and Newcastle Falcons.

He played alongside older brother Rory in England’s 1995 Grand Slam and in the Rugby World Cup two years later, as well as playing for the Lions on the tour to New Zealand before becoming an airline pilot after his retirement as a player.

For more information on all hospitality packages, see the club website or phone the Tigers sales team on 0116 2171 361.

Match tickets for the Varsity Matches are on general sale from the Tigers ticket office now.

The Club Shop at the stadium is now open to visitors and for click-and-collect orders.

With the easing of Covid restrictions, the shop has re-opened in the Robin Hood Stand, stocking replica kit, training and leisure wear, the Captains Collection and souvenirs so there is plenty of choice to check out.

Opening hours are 10.00am-4.00pm MondaySaturday and parking is available in the Crumbie Car Park, with access from Aylestone Road.

Online services remain available all day, every day with the option to collect your order from the stadium shop. This weekend the shop is running a special FREE DELIVERY offer for supporters who spend over £75 between 9.00am on Friday and 9.00am on Monday (May 17).

Head to head Have you been keeping up with the Tigers HEAD TO HEAD Challenges on the club’s YouTube channel?

This week’s challenge in association with club partners Yodel is a tongue-in-cheek ‘Movie Quotes Delivered’ quiz featuring team-mates Joe Heyes, Kobus Van Wyk, Harry Simmons and Tommy Reffell.

You can watch the full episode and all of the other partner-themed films now.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

T IGE R S TA L K

THE

A-TEAM RETURN TO TIGERS

Following the news this week that Mattioli Woods Welford Road will host international rugby next month, we take a look back to the most recent visit from a senior England representative team...

February 2008 kicked off with a flurry of important news for Leicester Tigers, including approval of planning proposals for the north side of the stadium which would significantly add to the capacity and also the staging of an international fixture for the first time in a decade.

On the field, the team sat in second place in the Premiership table in defence of the title won with the thrilling victory over Gloucester at Twickenham the previous May and, while there were concerns that Tigers representation in the England reckoning was on the wane, Tom Croft was called up for the first time and would make his debut off the bench in the Six Nations victory over France in Paris.

There was no shortage, though, of Red Rose representation from Tigers in the England Saxons squad - as they were then known - to face Ireland A at Welford Road during that month, with Jordan Crane named as captain on his home ground and club colleagues Tom Varndell and Ollie Smith included in the backline. The latter as vice-captain at the venue where he had grown up from terrace supporter to first-team starter.

Flicking through the line-up reveals numerous other Leicester links with Academy graduate Will Skinner, by then establishing himself at Harlequins, and scrumhalf James Grindal who would have two spells with Tigers both named among the replacements where they sat next to George

Skivington, the Wasps lock who would later join the club.

Anthony Allen, who would become such a lynchpin for the Tigers team with a move from Gloucester two seasons later, was in the squad too, alongside future Leicester players Ryan Lamb and Ben Woods.

The programme notes spotlighted that this was the kind of fixture which could launch an international future for players.

Three names on the Saxons bench illustrated the point perfectly as it included Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley, a future England captain and holder of more than 90 Test caps; Newcastle prop David Wilson who made almost a half-century of international appearances; and a 22-year-old

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

17

T IGE R S TA L K

Mike Brown, in his third season as a Harlequins first-teamer and already holder of the first of 72 senior caps.

The Irish squad was even more loaded, featuring a number of players who would become stalwarts of their senior ranks, including Shane Horgan, Tommy Bowe, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Healy, Donncha Ryan and Alan Quinlan, alongside Tigers wing Johne Murphy and former Leicester flanker Shane Jennings.

The match preview noted the success of many of the players’ predecessors in the previous international fixture at the stadium, when England A met Wales A a decade earlier.

That selection included Andy Gomarsall, Simon Shaw and George Chuter who all went on

to play for England in the 2007 World Cup Final, plus forwards Victor Ubogu, Ben Clarke and Pat Sanderson who also enjoyed lengthy international careers.

Tigers hooker Chuter recalled that in 1998, the squad had trained at Twickenham with the senior team until the Tuesday lunchtime before travelling up to Leicester and recalled of the game: “Wales won well and, after the England seniors had put 60-odd points on them in the Championship, seven or eight of those guys were called up into the senior Wales squad for their next match.”

Many of that England squad, too, stepped up to tour with the seniors that summer, including Chuter, Clarke, Sanderson, Jos Baxendell and Will Green.

The 2008 fixture was England’s 10th visit to Welford Road at this level (variously branded England A, England B and Saxons over the years but now back to the A moniker).

An international fixture had, in fact, been a feature of the winter at Welford Road for a decade from 1988, with New Zealand and Namibia among the visitors, before the occasions became more sporadic in the professional era.

Looking back at the opening encounter in the sequence, against Italy B in March 1988, team listing reveals allegiance to Cambridge University, Sheffield, Moseley and Fylde among the clubs in that England line-up.

John Wells and Tim Buttimore flew the flag for Leicester in a

18

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

T IGE R S TA L K team skippered by Wakefield’s Brian Barley. Other notables include Gary Pearce, Nigel Redman and Andy Robinson who went on to win a World Cup as an England coach.

The following year, France B arrived to face an England backline boasting the grace and pace of Bath's Jeremy Guscott and Leicester’s Tony Underwood.

Tigers wing Barry Evans played in an historic encounter with Namibia in 1990 and, in

recounting his experiences later, he drew a vivid picture of the changing times.

“I recall playing for England B against Italy B at Twickenham when there must have been only a few hundred spectators, partly due to the lack of interest and also the fact the RFU decided to play it on a weekday afternoon!” he said.

“You cannot compare that with the atmosphere which now exists in games at this level where

Anthony Allen

Tom Varndell in 2008

the ability of the players is so close to that of their full capped colleagues.”

France returned in 1993 and, although Martin Johnson missed out on a representative run-out on home soil, could not complain as he made his senior debut the following day at Twickenham.

Matt Dawson, Dean Ryan and Will Greenwood were among those in the squad to go on to bigger things, while try-scorer Underwood and 2003 World Cup winner Neil Back had the full encouragement of the home crowd.

In 1995, Wasps scrum-half Steve Bates - Saxons head coach when they returned in 2008 - captained a line-up which featured 14 starters who went on to earn senior caps, plus replacement hooker Richard Cockerill and Saracens flanker Richard Hill. Five of the squad - Back, Hill, Shaw, Lawrence Dallaglio and Mark Regan - would also go on to win a World Cup in Australia.

19

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

T IGE R S TA L K

Home duo Jordan Crane and Ollie Smith

Peter Wheeler, as Tigers club president, welcomed New South Wales for an England A encounter a year later, with legendary wing David Campese in the visiting squad and Martin Corry, then of Bristol and on the verge of the first of 64 England caps, and Orrell scrum-half Austin Healey among the opposition.

In 1997, the New Zealand tourists featuring Tana Umaga, Carlos Spencer and Norm Hewitt triumphed 30-19 here over an England side including Phil Vickery - in his debut - and Tigers prop Graham Rowntree who went on to win 54 senior caps.

In just six weeks’ time a group of Englishmen will have the same platform when Tigers welcome the squads representing England A and Scotland A.

“It is very exciting to have international rugby coming to Mattioli Woods Welford Road,” said Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick, acknowledging this week’s announcement of England’s return.

“Leicester Tigers are a club rightly proud of the incredible supporter base we have at this

club and our iconic home in the heart of the city.

“Leicester is a passionate sporting city and this is a great opportunity for Tigers and sports fans to see some of England and Scotland’s next generation play on our home ground.”

Ticket details will be announced soon.

PREVIOUSLY AT WELFORD ROAD England B 35-9 Italy B England B 16-35 France B England B 31-16 Namibia England A 29-17 France A England A 29-9 France A England A 24-22 New South Wales England A 25-34 France A England A 19-30 New Zealand XV England A 22-41 Wales A England A 31-13 Ireland A

March 1988 March 1989 November1990 January 1993 February 1995 January 1996 February 1997 December 1997 February 1998 February 2008

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LEICESTER

SEASON 2020/21

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

THE BIG MATCH Tigers host Harlequins in more Gallagher Premiership action...

Fourth-placed Harlequins arrive at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as the top-scoring team in the Gallagher Premiership and the only side with more than 500 points to their name after 18 rounds.

The Londoners have won their last three league games and scored 17 tries in the process, also ending a three-game losing run away from home with a 25-21 victory at London Irish in Round 17.

The 48-46 win over Wasps last weekend was sealed with 14 men after a red card for full-back Mike Brown, with Marcus Smith levelling the scores with a last-minute try and then adding the conversion to take five points.

Leicester Tigers lost in three of the last four rounds but have been defeated only once at home since the end of January - against Northampton in Round 17. Harlequins are unbeaten in the last four meetings, though Tigers did earn a draw with a second-half fightback in the December 2019 fixture staged at the national stadium.

The referee is Luke Pearce, who next week becomes the youngest to take charge of a Heineken Champions Cup Final. The 33-year-old officiates for the 114th time in Premiership rugby today.

FROM BOTH SIDES Northampton-born Will Skinner joined the Leicester Tigers Academy from Bedford School and gained agegroup representative honours as an openside flanker, as well as playing for England Sevens alongside more than 30 first-team appearances.

He moved to Harlequins in 2006, making more than 200 appearances before an injury-enforced retirement in 2013. Will captained England Saxons at the Churchill Cup in 2008, when he also became the youngest captain in the Premiership.

LAST FIVE PREMIERSHIP MEETINGS 2020-21

2019-20

2019-20

2018-19

2018-19

23

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

ELSEWHERE IN ROUND 19 BATH RUGBY v SALE SHARKS

WASPS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

NEWCASTLE FALCONS v NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

BRISTOL BEARS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

LONDON IRISH v EXETER CHIEFS

Bath have been beaten in their last three games and are aiming to avoid four in a row for the first time since December 2019. They have lost five league matches at the Recreation Ground this season but have never lost six home games in a Premiership campaign.

In today’s other league game, Wasps are looking to beat Warriors for the 14th time in succession, with Worcester bidding for a first win on their rivals’ territory since New Year’s Day 2012.

Newcastle host Saints on Monday after ending a sixgame losing streak with their largest points total in the competition in 15 years, with a 52-27 win over London Irish last Saturday.

Bristol’s only defeat since Round 8 was at home to Exeter last month but they have not lost successive Premiership matches at Ashton Gate since November 2018.

Wasps have won just once in the last four rounds, while Worcester have lost their last eight league games and won only once away from home in Premiership rugby since November 2019.

Northampton won three in a row before a 31-7 defeat at home to Gloucester last week. They have, though, won their last three away games and are aiming to make that four in a row for the first time since 2014.

London Irish return to the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday looking to bounce back from three successive defeats since a 36-33 win over Bath in Round 15. They have, though, won just one of their last seven encounters with Chiefs.

Sale’s only defeat in the last eight rounds was at Northampton in March.

Bath have won the last three meetings between the two and Sharks have not won at The Rec since March 2014.

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP TABLE

Saints have won on six of their last eight Premiership visits to Kingston Park.

Monday’s visitors Gloucester have won three of their last four matches and secured a second away win of the season at Northampton last Saturday.

Bristol have won their last four Premiership matches against Gloucester since defeat at Kingsholm in September 2018.

Gloucester’s last win at Ashton Gate was during March 2017.

Exeter’s only defeat in the last seven rounds was at Gloucester in March. The Chiefs’ three away defeats in Premiership Rugby this season were at Wasps in Round 5, Sale in Round 11, and Gloucester in Round 15.

Pld

W

D

L

T

F

A

1

Bristol Bears

18

14

1

3

64

484

327

Pts 71

2

Exeter Chiefs

18

13

0

5

70

470

296

63 59

3

Sale Sharks

18

13

0

5

47

427

337

4

Harlequins

18

11

1

6

68

564

425

59

5

Northampton Saints

18

10

0

8

48

379

355

50

6

London Irish

18

6

2

10

43

363

431

42

7

Bath Rugby

18

8

0

10

50

411

512

41

8

Leicester Tigers

18

8

0

10

38

364

389

39

9

Wasps

18

7

0

11

51

421

501

38

10

Gloucester Rugby

18

6

0

12

51

413

451

36

11

Newcastle Falcons

18

7

0

11

40

314

360

35

12

Worcester Warriors

18

3

0

15

34

276

502

21

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

T O D AY ’ S O P P O S I T I O N

HARLEQUINS 1866 FOUNDED

– HONOURS – EUROPE AN SHIELD / CHALLENGE CUP 2001 / 2004 / 2011 PREMIERSHIP 2012 DIVISION ONE 2006 K NOCK OU T CUP 1988 / 1991 / 2013

– INDIVIDUAL RECORDS – APPEARANCES

POINTS

TRIES

MIKE BROWN

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DANNY CARE

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26

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

SQUAD 2020-21 – BACKS – Pos / Honours / Age / Last Club MIKE BROWN FB

England

LUKE NORTHMORE 35

Academy

MICHELE CAMPAGNARO C

Italy

28

England -

34

Leeds

-

Cardiff Met Uni

FH

-

22

Academy

SH

-

23

Munster

27

London Irish

32

Bath

SCOTT STEELE 30 Academy

NATHAN EARLE W

24

JACK STAFFORD

ROSS CHISHOLM FB

-

MARCUS SMITH Wasps

DANNY CARE SH

C

SH

Scotland

BEN TAPUAI 26

Saracens

26

Munakata Sanix Blues

23

North Harbour

23

Lions

25

Jersey Reds

32

Jaguares

26

Academy

C

Australia

ANDRÉ ESTERHUIZEN C

South Africa

SH

-

ONE TO WATCH PAUL LASIKE

LEWIS GJALTEMA

C

USA

30 Utah Warriors

TYRONE GREEN C/W

-

BRETT HERRON FH

-

MARTÍN LANDAJO SH

Argentina

JAMES LANG FH

Scotland

LOUIS LYNAGH W

-

20 Academy

JOE MARCHANT C

England

24

Academy

26

Saracens

21

Academy

AARON MORRIS FB/W CADAN MURLEY W

-

Born in New Zealand, with Tongan heritage, Paul Lasike began his sporting career in American football with Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears, and gained a rugby scholarship in college. He won his first Test caps in 2018, joining Quins in the same year.

27

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

– F OR WA RDS – Pos / Honours / Age / Last Club ONE TO WATCH

TEVITA CAVUBATI L

Fiji

22

Newcastle Falcons

25

Academy

33

Rosslyn Park

24

Cardiff Met Uni

25

Canterbury Uni

23

Ealing Trailfinders

24

Leicester Tigers

JAMES CHISHOLM No8 -

SCOTT BALDWIN H

Wales

32

Ospreys

WILL COLLIER P

England

ALEX DOMBRANDT No8 ELIA ELIA H

Samoa

JORDAN ELS P

-

WILL EVANS Fl

-

SANTIAGO GARCÍA BOTTA P

Argentina

28

Jaguares

32

Saracens

JOE GRAY H

England

MATAS JUREVICIUS L

-

20 London Scottish

JACK KENNINGHAM Fl

-

With 34 Test caps, hooker Scott Baldwin brought a wealth of experience to the Quins front row when he arrived last season after more than 120 games for the Ospreys and he has quickly adapted to Premiership rugby.

21

Academy

28

Worcester Warriors

MATT SYMONS

23

Academy

MARC THOMAS

27

Exeter Chiefs

29

Lions

26

Toulon

SIMON KERROD P

-

DINO LAMB BR

-

L

TOM LAWDAY BR

-

P

STEPHAN LEWIES L

South Africa

P

South Africa

JOE MARLER P

England & Lions

30 Academy

-

31

Wasps

30 Doncaster Knights

ARCHIE WHITE BR

WILCO LOUW

-

-

23

Academy

25

Bedford

26

Newcastle Falcons

JOE WRAFTER P

-

GLEN YOUNG L

-

PREMIERSHIP

CLUB

WA S P S V L E I C EST E R T I G E R S S AT U R DAY, J U N E 1 2 , F R O M 1 .3 0 P M NEW Premiership Club away match restaurant offering.

Our Premiership Club draws from our 1880, Directors and Honours Lounges delivering a matchday hospitality with a difference.

Sit back and watch the the Tigers take on Wasps (away) on one of our extra large screens as it’s streamed directly into the Premiership Suite.

As a customer you can enjoy: ê Complimentary drink on arrival ê Pre-match exclusive interview with first-team coach or player (pre-recorded) ê Hot food restaurant service ê Big match action on the big screen ê Live half-time zoom call with non-playing player for game analysis Book with confidence – refunds will be offered if for any reason the brunch cannot go ahead as planned.

PRICES FROM

£50 per person £41.66 per person including VAT

excluding VAT

All guests as part of a booking must be from the same household/support bubble.

For more information or to book your place call 0116 217 1215 or email corporatesales@tigers.co.uk. Visit leicestertigers.com/vipevents Subject to government guidelines

*

Pictures taken from hospitality pre-Covid-19

**

360°

30

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

CLUB NEWS THEN THERE WERE TWO… European Rugby has had to think on its feet with the impact of Covic-19, but the club tournaments reach a climax with a Twickenham double-header and the chance for supporters to return in the stands.

Capacity has been set at 10,000 for the finals of both the European Challenge Cup, where Leicester Tigers face Montpellier, and the all-French Heineken Champions Cup Final between La Rochelle and Toulouse.

Tigers will run out for the club’s sixth European final while rivals Montpellier are previous Challenge Cup winners.

Wins over Brive at home and then away to Bayonne - a first victory in France since, coincidentally, a trip to Montpellier in 2014 - put Tigers in a strong position in the preliminary stages and they were rewarded with a home draw in the new Round of 16 when the tournament was further adjusted due to continuing issues with cross-border travel.

A first-ever European meeting with Connacht at the start of the knockout stages produced one of the most entertaining games of the tournament’s season as Tigers triumphed 48-32, scoring seven tries despite falling behind in the opening moments of the game.

The quarter-finals produced an encounter with a Newcastle Falcons side who had been beaten in a Gallagher Premiership encounter just two weeks earlier, and Tigers completed a double

with a dominant set-piece providing the platform for the victory which secured a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals for a second successive year.

The 1999 European champions Ulster Rugby headed to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the semifinals on the back of good form,

outfit started the season in the Champions Cup before moving into the Challenge Cup, beating Glasgow Warriors and then Benetton Rugby in the only quarter-final without Gallagher Premiership representation, before that trip to the West Country.

Connacht were beaten in the Round of 16

which included knockout wins in England against Harlequins and Northampton Saints.

Tigers, though, made it five wins out of five in the tournament so far this season to make it to the Final (See page 40-41 for full report).

Just 24 hours later, Montpellier progressed from their semi-final with a 19-10 victory at Bath’s Recreation Ground.

Led by director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, the French

The tournament has taken a long and winding road to get this far over the course of the last six months, but now it comes down to the two teams to determine who takes home the trophy. *The final of the Heineken Champions Cup - at Twickenham next Saturday - pits four-time winners Toulouse against firsttime finalists La Rochelle.

Tickets for both games are available via RFU.com.

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34

T

C

P

D Pos

FORD

DEFENCE D

ENEVER

P

DOLLY

C

DIAZ BONILLA

T

DE BRUIN

Result

COLE

HT

COGHLAN

ATTACK Att

CLARE

Opponents

CHESSUM

v

BRINK

Date Comp

BOWER

SEASON STATS 2020-21

ASPLAND-ROBINSON

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

NOVEMBER 2020 Sat 21

GPR

H

Gloucester Rugby

-

22-08

● 38-15

4

3

4

-

2

1

1

-

2

Sun 29

GPR

A

London Irish (Sun 4.15)

-

03-13

● 09-22

-

-

3

-

1

1

5

-

6

5

5 6

DECEMBER 2020 Sat 5

GPR

H

Exeter Chiefs

-

08-22

● 13-35

1

1

2

-

5

5

-

-

8

Fri 11

ECC

H

Brive (Fri 7:45)

-

14-06

● 39-17

4

2

5

-

1

-

4

-

4

Sat 19

ECC

A

Bayonne (8pm)

-

17-13

● 28-20

3

2

3

-

2

2

2

-

4

Sat 26

GPR

A

Newcastle Falcons (2pm)

-

-

C-C

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

9

10

JANUARY 2021 Sun 3

GPR

H

Bath Rugby (Sun 3pm)

-

14-06

● 36-31

3

3

5

-

3

2

4

-

7

Sat 9

GPR

A

Northampton Saints (4.30pm)

-

-

C-C

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fri 15

ECC

H

Bayonne (7:45pm)

-

-

C-C

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W/O 22

ECC

A

Brive

-

-

C-C

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fri 29

GPR

H

Sale Sharks (7:45pm)

-

08-10

● 15-25

2

1

1

-

3

2

2

-

9

8

21

FEBRUARY 2021 Sat 6

GPR

H

Worcester Warriors

-

13-03

● 36-31

5

5

2

-

3

3

1

-

Sat 13

GPR

A

Harlequins (4.00pm)

-

17-30

● 24-37

3

3

1

-

4

4

3

-

8

Sat 20

GPR

H

Wasps

-

14-03

● 27-08

3

-

4

-

1

-

1

-

8

Sat 27

GPR

A

Bristol Bears

-

03-14

● 03-17

-

-

1

-

2

2

1

-

9

5

3

MARCH 2021 Fri 5

GPR

H

London Irish (7:45pm)

-

14-03

● 27-08

3

3

4

-

4

2

2

-

8

Sat 13

GPR

A

Gloucester Rugby

-

15-07

● 20-14

3

1

1

-

2

2

-

-

7

5

Sat 20

GPR

A

Exeter Chiefs

-

12-28

● 31-47

5

3

-

-

7

6

-

-

8

5

Sun 28

GPR

H

Newcastle Falcons

-

16-00

● 26-12

2

2

4

-

2

1

-

-

7

5

10

16

APRIL 2021 Sat 3

ECC

H

Connacht Rugby (8pm)

-

24-11

● 48-32

7

5

1

-

4

3

2

-

-

Sat 10

ECC

H

Newcastle Falcons (12.30pm)

-

15-08

● 39-15

5

2

2

-

2

1

1

-

-

5

Sun 18

GPR

A

Bath Rugby

-

09-07

● 20-21

1

-

5

-

3

3

-

-

8

15

Sat 24

GPR

H

Northampton Saints

-

10-15

● 18-23

2

1

2

-

3

1

2

-

8

8

Fri 30

ECC

H

Ulster Rugby (8pm)

-

06-17

● 33-24

3

3

3

1

3

3

1

-

-

18

-

03-16

● 10-26

1

-

1

-

2

2

4

-

8

TOTAL

60 40 54 1 59 46 36 0

May 2021 Fri 7

GPR

A

Sale Sharks (7.45pm)

Sat 14

GPR

H

Harlequins (3:30pm)

Fri 21

ECC

N

Montpellier (Final) (8pm)

Sat 29

GPR

A

Worcester Warriors

JUNE 2021 Sat 5

GPR

H

Bristol Bears

Sat 12

GPR

A

Wasps

W/O 18

GPR

Semi-finals

Sat 26

GPR

Final at Twickenham GPR ECC PRC

Gallagher Premiership Rugby European Challenge Cup Premiership Rugby Cup

8 1 5

13

5

2

6

5 9

5

Started match 5

3

13

5

9

12 16 5

5

9 5

5 5

0

2

8

5

Used as a replacement 5

5

5

4

5

5

5

Bench (not used)

13

5 5

5

5

5

5

10

5

5

5

5

10

5

10

3

Points scored in a match

5

5

PENALTY TRY

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

T.YOUNGS

B.YOUNGS

WORTH

WILLIAMS

WIGGLESWORTH

WIESE

WHITE

WHITCOMBE

WELLS

WALLACE

VAN WYK

VAN POORTVLIET

TAUTE

TAUFUA

STEWARD

SMITH

SIMMONS

SCOTT

REFFELL

POTTER

PORTER

OLOWOFELA

NADOLO

MURIMURIVALU

MORONI

MONTOYA

MARTIN

MARFO

McPHILLIPS

LIEBENBERG

LEWIS

LEATIGAGA

LAVANINI

KERR

KELLY

HURD

HEYES

HENRY

HENDERSON

GREEN

GIGENA

GENGE

FORD

35

3 5

8

5 5

5

5

5 5

5

5

5 5

5

5

5 2

10 5

1

36

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

PLAYER STATS 2020-21

NAME Sam ASPLAND-ROBINSON Ryan BOWER Cyle BRINK Ollie CHESSUM Charlie CLARE Jordan COGHLAN Dan COLE Luan DE BRUIN Joaquín DÍAZ BONILLA Nic DOLLY Blake ENEVER George FORD Ellis GENGE Facundo GIGENA Calum GREEN Cameron HENDERSON Zack HENRY Joe HEYES Will HURD Dan KELLY Jake KERR Tomás LAVANINI Henri LAVIN Jonny LAW Nephi LEATIGAGA Sam LEWIS Hanro LIEBENBERG Darryl MARFO

APPS 1+2 9+6 2+2 5+12 13+4 9+6 2+3 0+2 0+1 5+2 5+2 1 14+3 6+2 13+2 8+13 0+2 8+5 0+2 10+5 5+8 16 -

STATS 2020-21 TRIES 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 -

PTS 10 5 25 23 93 5 5 5 113 10 5 10 -

APPS 8+6 4+9 9+6 5+2 9+21 7+4 199+60 9+6 2+3 0+2 4+2 86+17 63+21 16+29 46+12 8+5 18+5 27+40 0+2 10+6 15+31 27+7 0+1 0+2 9+33 10+11 29+2 -

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 2 1 6 1 3 8 8 1 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 -

PTS 10 5 30 5 15 23 993 40 5 5 15 152 10 10 5 5 10 15 -

37

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

NAME Johnny McPHILLIPS George MARTIN Julián MONTOYA Matias MORONI Kini MURIMURIVALU Nemani NADOLO Jordan OLOWOFELA Guy PORTER Harry POTTER Tommy REFFELL Matt SCOTT Harry SIMMONS Thom SMITH Freddie STEWARD Jordan TAUFUA Jaco TAUTE Jack VAN POORTVLIET Kobus VAN WYK Luke WALLACE Harry WELLS James WHITCOMBE Ben WHITE Jasper WIESE Richard WIGGLESWORTH David WILLIAMS George WORTH Ben YOUNGS Tom YOUNGS

APPS 3+8 7+3 3+1 14 11+4 5+1 8+3 6+1 10+5 14+1 2+1 17+2 2+2 6 3+11 12 2+6 14+6 0+5 2+7 13+2 11+1 0+1 5+2 13+4

STATS 2020-21 TRIES 1 3 3 2 4 2 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 5 1 1 4

PTS 25 5 15 15 10 20 10 10 15 5 5 10 10 15 25 5 5 20

APPS 5+14 9+4 3+1 14 14+4 10+1 30+11 12+4 10+2 27+16 20+1 10+15 5+5 25+6 11+7 16+2 6+13 13 7+9 64+55 0+5 27+44 13+2 11+1 3+2 41+21 207+52 167+44

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 1 1 3 3 2 6 6 2 4 6 2 2 3 3 2 2 1 6 6 5 1 1 3 38 21

PTS 52 5 15 15 10 30 30 10 20 30 10 10 18 15 10 10 5 30 30 25 5 5 25 210 110

CAPTAINS COLLECTION

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40

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

– MATCHFILE – LEICESTER TIGERS 33-24 ULSTER RUGBY Friday April 30 2021 / European Challenge Cup semi-final Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Pascal Gauzere (Fra) LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Guy Porter T 13 Matías Moroni 12 Matt Scott 11 Nemani Nadolo 10 George Ford 3P/3C/DG 9 Richard Wigglesworth

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ellis Genge Tom Youngs (c) Dan Cole Harry Wells Calum Green George Martin Hanro Liebenberg Jasper Wiese

T

T

Tigers roared back from a half-time deficit with an impressive performance after the break to book a place in the European Challenge Cup Final.

Scores from Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Billy Burns - after an earlier score had been chalked-off for a knock-on - in a 10-minute spell when Tigers were a man short due to picking up a yellow card under pressure on their own line, gave visitors Ulster a 17-6 lead midway through the first half.

But neither side added anything more in the remaining 20 minutes of the opening period, even as Tigers built set-piece pressure at close range.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Charlie Clare Luan de Bruin Joe Heyes Tomás Lavanini Cyle Brink Ben Youngs Zack Henry Kini Murimurivalu

ULSTER: Stockdale, Baloucoune, Hume, McCloskey, McIlroy, Burns, Cooney; O’Sullivan, Herring, Moore, O’Connor, Henderson (c), Rea, Murphy, Timoney.

Reps: Andrew, Warwick, O’Toole, Treadwell, Reidy, Mathewson, Lowry, Addison

But the home side did make a big impact at the start of the second half. After a delay in play when scrum-half John Cooney left the field injured, Tigers came flying out of the traps with Ellis Genge’s carry setting up a chance for Freddie Steward. Although the full-back was brought down in the corner, Tigers retained ball and eventually Jasper Wiese barged over the line for a trademark score.

George Ford’s conversion kick brought the score back to 13-17 with 45 minutes gone and a penalty reduced the gap to just a point shortly afterwards.

Tigers made the most of the swing in momentum and, after Steward had been stopped on the right,

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

quick recycling allowed Ford to pick out Genge to score on the opposite side.

Tigers led for the first time and Ford’s touchline kick made it 23-17 on 55 minutes, with a drop goal from the fly-half pushing the lead out to nine points.

But Ulster played their way back into the game with No8 Nick Timoney showing good pace with a 30-metre run-in.

That set up a fascinating final 10 minutes with just two points between the teams, until Guy Porter ran in a third try for Tigers who then stood resolute in defence to secure the victory.

41

NOTEBOOK… Minute’s silence in memory of former fly-half and radio commentator Bleddyn Jones before kick-off…

Ellis Genge taking throwing duties at the lineout after a yellow card for Tom Youngs… 20 unanswered points at the start of the second half… George Ford named EPCR Man of the Match… Montpellier won at Bath in second semi-final.

QUOTE... “The first half was not up to our standards, but we came in and addressed it, and you saw what we did in the second half.”

Harry Wells

42

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

– LAST TIME OUT – SALE SHARKS 26-10 LEICESTER TIGERS Friday May 7 2021 / Gallagher Premiership Round 18 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Tom Foley LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Zack Henry 14 Kobus van Wyk 13 Matías Moroni 12 Dan Kelly 11 Kini Murimurivalu 10 Johnny McPhillips 9 Ben Youngs (c)

P

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Luan de Bruin Charlie Clare Joe Heyes Cameron Henderson Tomás Lavanini George Martin Cyle Brink Hanro Liebenberg

A 16-point lead in the opening half hour provided the foundation for a Sale Sharks victory which took them into second place in the table overnight.

Tigers enjoyed more ball and territory in the second half, claiming a penalty try and producing the pressure which led to two yellow cards, before the hosts pulled decisively clear again.

AJ MacGinty kicked the opening points for Sale and then released Byron McGuigan to score a try on the left as they led 10-0 on 13 minutes.

Kobus van Wyk almost found his way to the tryline for Tigers but another penalty made it 16-0 before Zack Henry put the visitors on the scoreboard.

That became 19-3 early in the second half before Tigers imposed themselves, though Kini Murimurivalu was denied a score for a double movement as he forced his way over in the left-hand corner.

The game remained in Sharks territory and, with Jean-Luc du Preez already sin-binned, Luke James followed for a deliberate knock-on which also brought a penalty try.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Nic Dolly James Whitcombe Will Hurd Calum Green Jasper Wiese Jack Van Poortvliet David Williams Freddie Steward

Tigers had the wind in their sails as they built more possession but a strong carry from Tom Curry then provided the chance for Marland Yarde to score and push Sale 16 in front again.

NOTEBOOK… The 100th meeting of the teams… Cyle Brink and Tomás Lavanini returned to the

SALE: L James, McGuigan, S James, Hill, Yarde, MacGinty, de Klerk; Rodd, van der Merwe, Oosthuizen, Wiese, Beaumont (c), JL Du Preez, T Curry, D Du Preez. Reps: Ashman, Harrison, John, Phillips, Nield, Quirke, Wilkinson, Doherty

starting line-up… Premiership debuts for Nic Dolly and Will Hurd… Seasonal debut for David Williams… A fifth straight win for Sharks.

QUOTE...

“The effort was great but it is frustrating because we have to start taking our opportunities better in these games.”

Charlie Clare

TEAM RUN BRUNCH IN AN EXECUTIVE SUITE

Package Includes: ¿ Hot brunch (bottomless option available) ¿ An executive suite exclusive to your party ¿ Your names up on the big screen ¿ Signed ball for bookings of 4 or more people ¿ JTC Goodie Bag for kids

£50 (inc VAT) Per Person

Terms and conditions apply

JUNE 4, 2021 FROM 10:00AM

£65 (inc VAT)

for Bottomless Brunch (2 Hours) Per Person

Terms and conditions apply

For a family price or to guarantee your place, call 0116 217 1215, email sales@tigers.co.uk or book online at leicestertigers.com/vip

44

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

LEICESTER TIGERS

COMMUNITY TEAM SUPPORTING TIGERS’ COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

BROOKSBY MELTON COLLEGE OPEN DAY

Students looking to follow qualifications and play rugby at Brooksby Melton College can attend an Open Day at the college scheduled throughout the summer.

Today prospective students and rugby players are attending a series of taster sessions at Brooksby’s campus at the college, which is part of the SMB Group.

All players will receive a placement offer to students in the college’s ACE and Development teams.

The morning sessions include a registration, welcome and introduction to sport at the college, led by representatives from both Brooksby and the Tigers.

Coaches will then deliver an hour-and-a-half rugby training session, as well as a discussion around what courses are available for students in the new academic year.

For more information or to book your place on our upcoming Open Days, please email steven.baker@tigers.co.uk

46

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Andrea Pinchen

FROM THE BOARDROOM Tigers chief executive officer Andrea Pinchen looks forward to some of the club’s upcoming events.

As we continue down the road of the Government’s easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we’re excited to now be at Stage 3 which will allow in-person and hospitality events at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The last year has thrown up many challenges for our corporate sales and events team who work hard to put on events, welcome supporters and offer the best matchday experiences.

In anticipation of the UK moving into Stage 3, the team have been working behind the scenes to create events that are new, unique and, most importantly, safe for supporters to attend.

During lockdown, we’ve been able to host virtual events like a Pub Quiz and a Pizza Masterclass, but we are excited to be able to have guests back in the stadium.

The first in-person event is just two weeks away when Army veteran and activist Simon Weston joins us as guest speaker when the Business Club returns on Monday, May 24.

Then in June we will be able to welcome the return of supporters to watch live rugby at the final home game of the Gallagher Premiership campaign,

two other Tigers events and also our fixtures featuring England A and the Varsity teams.

There are places available to book to see the team train ahead of the visit of Bristol Bears in Round 21 of the Gallagher Premiership and, of course, season ticket holders who have been successful in the ticket ballot will also be able to join us for the match a day later.

The final game of the league season is being broadcast on big screens in the Premiership Suite on Saturday, June 12 but there is still more rugby to come afterwards.

The club is hosting its annual Corporate Touch Tournament on Friday, June 25, welcoming squads of 12 to play at the stadium, with the 20th Anniversary Dinner of the club’s first European Cup win to follow that evening.

Former heavyweight champion of the world David Haye concludes this season’s Business Club events here on Wednesday, June 30.

There is such a lot to get involved in, so head to the Events Page on the club website for all the latest information and booking details.

Ignite your BLUE.

TTUK Ignite Your Blue 4x4 ad EU VERSION.indd 1

07/04/2021 12:10

48

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

WELCOME BACK TO THE STADIUM

Finally, after seeing the gates closed for so long, we are delighted to be able to open Mattioli Woods Welford Road for a number of events in coming weeks, alongside some big fixtures when supporters will again be welcome.

Following successful events back in September 2020, the club is hosting a Team Run Brunch event on Friday, June 4 ahead of the home fixture against Bristol Bears the following afternoon.

This is a unique opportunity to watch the senior squad train at the stadium as they make their preparations ahead of the final home match of the 2020-21 season.

Then on Saturday, June 12, supporters can watch match action on big screens in the Premiership Suite at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as the league season comes to a close with a game away to Wasps.

In line with the government’s easing of lockdown restrictions and roadmap, supporters will be welcomed to the socially-distanced events which will be the first inside the stadium this year.

TEAM RUN PACKAGE: • An exclusive suite for your party to view the Team Run • Brunch included • Your names on the big screen in the stadium • Signed ball for bookings of more than 4 people • JTC goodie bag for kids WASPS AWAY DAY PACKAGE: • Complimentary drink on arrival • Pre-match exclusive interview with a coach or player (pre-recorded) • Hot food restaurant service • Live match action on the big screen • Half-time Zoom call with nonplaying player for game analysis Take a look at all the details on the club website and be one of the first to attend in-stadium events in 2021. We look forward to seeing you.

50

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

CLUB PARTNERS

Welcome and thank you to all of our partners for the 2020-21 season...

MAIN PARTNER

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

OFFICIAL PAR TNERS

A S S O C I AT E P A R T N E R S

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

TE AM TECHNICAL SUPPLIER

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

THE

TIGERS TEAM T H E M A N AG E M E N T T E A M

STEVE BORTHWICK Position: Head Coach

ALED WALTERS Position: Head of Physical Performance

BRETT DEACON Position: Assistant Coach

SIMON BARBOUR Position: Head of Analysis

TERESA CARRINGTON Position: Team Manager

MIKE FORD Position: Assistant Coach

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

SAM ASPLAND-ROBINSON

RYAN BOWER

CYLE BRINK

CHARLIE CLARE

Position: Wing

Position: Prop

Position:

Back row

Position: Hooker

Born: 03/01/97

Born: 25/02/91

Born: 16/01/94

Born: 16/12/91

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.86m /6ft 1in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

94kg/14st 8lb

Weight:

108kg/17st 2lb

Weight:

114kg/18st 5lb

Weight:

110 kg/17st 4lb

ACADEMY GRADUATE

ACADEMY GRADUATE

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

JORDAN COGHLAN

DAN COLE

LUAN DE BRUIN

Position:

JOAQUIN DIAZ BONILLA

Back row

Position: Prop

Position: Prop

Position: Fly-half

Born: 30/10/92

Born: 09/05/87

Born:

13/12/93

Born: 02/04/89

Height:

1.95m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height: 1.78m/5ft10in

Weight:

113kg/17st 11lb

Weight:

123kg/19st 5lb

Weight:

125kg/19st 11lb

Honours: England/Lions

Weight:

80kg/12st 8lb

Honours: Argentina

ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

54

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

NIC DOLLY

GEORGE FORD

ELLIS GENGE

CALUM GREEN

Position: Hooker

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Position: Lock

Born: 11/06/99

Born: 16/03/93

Born: 16/02/95

Born: 15/07/90

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.78m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Weight:

98kg/15st 6lb

Weight:

86kg/13st 7lb

Weight:

117kg/18st 6lb

Weight:

119kg/18st 12lb

Honours: England

Honours: England ACADEMY GRADUATE

ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

ZACK HENRY

JOE HEYES

WILL HURD

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Position: Prop

Position:

Born: 01/10/94

Born: 13/04/99

Born: 29/06/99

Born:

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

126kg/19st 12lb

Weight:

121kg/19st 1lb

Weight: Honours:

ACADEMY GRADUATE

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

TOMAS LAVANINI

NEPHI LEATIGAGA

SAM LEWIS

HANRO LIEBENBERG

Position: Lock

Position: Prop

Position: Lock/Flanker

Position:

Born: 22/01/93

Born: 09/12/93

Born: 27/04/98

Born: 10/10/95

Back row

Height:

2.01m/6ft 7in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.95m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.97m/6ft 5 in

Weight:

130kg/20st 7lb

Weight:

149kg/23st 6lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Honours: Argentina

Honours: Samoa ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

DARRYL MARFO

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

JULIÁN MONTOYA

MATIAS MORONI

Position: Prop

Position: Fly-half/Centre/Full-back

Position: Hooker

Position: Centre/Wing

Born: 01/11/90

Born: 13/03/97

Born: 29/10/93

Born: 10/07/91

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.80m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

112kg/17st 9lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

113kg/17st 11lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Honours: Scotland

Honours: Argentina

Honours: Argentina

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

KINI MURIMURIVALU

NEMANI NADOLO

JORDAN OLOWOFELA

GUY PORTER

Position: Full-back/Wing

Position: Wing/centre

Position: Wing/full-back

Position: Centre/Wing

Born: 15/05/89

Born: 31/01/88

Born: 17/04/98

Born: 23/01/97

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.88m / 6ft 2in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Weight:

120kg/19st 5lb

Weight:

92kg / 14st 7lb

Weight:

95kg/15st 1lb

Honours: Fiji

Honours: Fiji ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

HARRY POTTER

TOMMY REFFELL

MATT SCOTT

HARRY SIMMONS

Position: Wing Born: 15/12/97

Position: Flanker

Position: Centre

Position: Scrum-half

Born: 27/04/99

Born: 30/09/90

Height:

Born: 25/11/97

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.84m / 6ft 0in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Weight:

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

89kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

103kg / 16st 3lb

Weight:

101kg/15st 12lb

Weight:

90kg/14st 2lb

Honours: Scotland ACADEMY GRADUATE

ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

JACO TAUTE

KOBUS VAN WYK

LUKE WALLACE

HARRY WELLS

Position: Centre/Full-back

Position: Wing

Position: Flanker

Position: Lock

Born: 21/03/91

Born: 22/01/92

Born: 02/10/90

Born: 29/09/93

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3 in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Weight:

108kg/17st 0lb

Weight:

98kg/15st 6lb

Weight:

100kg/15st 11lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 5lb

Honours:

South Africa ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

BEN WHITE

JASPER WIESE

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

GEORGE WORTH

Position: Scrum-half

Position:

Back row

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Centre/Full-back

Born: 27/05/98

Born: 21/10/95

Born: 09/06/83

Born: 08/10/96

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3ins

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Weight:

87kg/13st 11lb

Weight:

116kg/18st 5lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 1lb

Weight:

95kg/14st 13lb

Honours: England ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

ACADEMY GRADUATE S P O N S O R E D BY:

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

F I R S T-T E A M S Q U A D

BEN YOUNGS

TOM YOUNGS

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Hooker

Born: 05/09/89

Born: 28/01/87

Height:

1.79m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Weight:

88kg/13st 12lb

Weight:

104kg/16st 5lb

Honours: England/Lions

Honours: England/Lions

ACADEMY GRADUATE

ACADEMY GRADUATE

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

To sponsor a player or to receive more information on sponsoring a player please email Sales@tigers.co.uk

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

59

D E V E L O P M E N T S Q U A D

OLLIE ASHWORTH Position: Back row Born: 21/05/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

JOE BROWNING Position: Wing/Centre Born: 14/04/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

OLLIE CHESSUM Position: Back row Born: 06/09/00

OSMAN DIMEN Position: Prop Born: 30/09/98

SAM EDWARDS Position: Scrum-half Born: 14/06/02 ACADEMY GRADUATE

CAMERON HENDERSON Position: Lock Born: 13/01/00

EMEKA ILIONE Position: Back row Born: 20/03/02 ACADEMY GRADUATE

DAN KELLY Position: Centre Born: 16/01/01

HENRI LAVIN Position: Back row Born: 05/07/00 ACADEMY GRADUATE

JONNY LAW Position: Scrum-half Born: 19/12/00 ACADEMY GRADUATE

TOM MANZ Position: Lock Born: 09/07/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

GEORGE MARTIN Position: Lock Born: 18/06/01 Honours: England ACADEMY GRADUATE

JACK ROWNTREE Position: Prop Born: 06/05/02 ACADEMY GRADUATE

KIT SMITH Position: Back row Born: 29/09/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

THOM SMITH Position: Back row Born: 02/12/1999 ACADEMY GRADUATE

FREDDIE STEWARD Position: Full-back Born: 05/12/00 ACADEMY GRADUATE

JACK VAN POORTVLIET Position: Scrum-half Born: 15/05/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

ARCHIE VANES Position: Hooker Born: 16/09/01 ACADEMY GRADUATE

JAMES WHITCOMBE Position: Prop Born: 20/11/00 ACADEMY GRADUATE

60

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

LEICESTER TIGERS

FOUNDATION NEWS

ONLINE AUCTION

As a staple part of its fundraising, the Leicester Tigers Foundation online auctions are once again offering supporters an opportunity to bid on sporting memorabilia through charitable donations.

Historically, the auctions have made available match-worn shirts and special commemorative jerseys as well as signed merchandise, with all proceeds supporting the work of the Foundation in the community.

The latest auction and future fundraising plans aim to support the Tigers Foundation’s SEND project which offers support across the county in schools and out for children with special educational needs.

OPEN FOR BIDS MATCHBALL

OPEN FOR BIDS MAN OF THE MATCH MEDAL

Using this crucial fundraising, the Foundation plans to relaunch the successful SEND Schools programme and continue its support for the Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby team.

To kick off proceedings once again, the auction incudes two exclusive items from this season’s European Challenge Cup campaign.

First up is an official European Challenge Cup match ball signed by fly-half George Ford, following the semi-final victory over Ulster at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

This Gilbert ball (size 5) features the Challenge Cup logo.

To place your bid, simply click the link below.

You can also place a bid on a unique Man of the Match medal which was prepared for presentation at the Leicester Tigers versus Castres Olympique fixture last season before the

fixture was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the competition’s official proceedings, tournament organisers EPCR announce a Man of the Match winner after every match but with no fixture played, this totally unique item could be yours. And with Tigers reaching the Challenge Cup Final for the first time, this is an opportunity to own a little memento of your own.

Both auctions are open from 3.30pm today (Saturday) to coincide with kick-off in the Tigers’ home game against Harlequins and will close at 3.30pm on Challenge Cup Final day next Friday (May 21).

To find out more about the Leicester Tigers Foundation and its work, see the website at: www.leicestertigers.com/ community/foundation

C

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Summer Ball Saturday 28th August 2021 ~ Marston Trussell Hall

An evening with Matt Hampson and friends in the stunning surroundings of Marston Trussell Hall, Leicestershire.

The night includes a sumptuous 3 course dinner, entertainment throughout the evening and a live band to rock you into the small hours.

Black Tie ~ 7pm Champagne Reception 3 Course Dinner & Wine ~ Live Band, The Collective Carriages 1.00am ~ Covid Friendly Event

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66

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Matchday mascot

Supported by

Supported by retailers NEXT, the Junior Tigers Club is THE place for young fans to celebrate their support of Leicester Tigers.

Junior Membership is available now.

Sign up at www.leicestertigers.com/jtc

A big matchday welcome from Welford and everyone at the Tigers to Dexter Brakes who is today’s virtual matchday mascot.

Like all of our Junior Tigers, we know you will be right behind the team even though you cannot attend games in the stadium at this point. But at least we can now start counting down to when games will be open to supporters again!

A draw is held to find our virtual mascot for each home game among purchasers of Junior Tigers Club membership. Junior membership is £35 and includes free bobble hat and goodie bag.

5 to Tackle 1. Which Premiership club’s home ground is called Sixways?

2. Which current Tigers player has 39 caps for Scotland?

3. Which stadium hosts next week’s European finals?

4. Which current Tigers prop is a Samoa intenational?

5. Which country hosts the British & Irish Lions tour this summer?

A

B

C

Did you know?

Dan Cole made his 250th appearance for Tigers in the away match against today’s opponents Harlequins during February this year.

Picture puzzle

Can you work out which is the actual ball in this image created from the game against Ulster?

Answers: 5 to tackle: 1 Worcester Warriors, 2 Matt Scott, 3 Twickenham Stadium, 4 Nephi Leatigaga, 5 South Africa. Picture Puzzle: A.

Proud sponsors of the Junior Tigers Club

Sign-up to be part of the Junior Tigers Club for free by visiting www.leicestertigers.com/jtc

Proudly Supporting Leicester Tigers

Wing Wing Ring Ring

Kobus van Wyk We are proud to showcase our sponsored player.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Stat Pack SOME OF THE FACTS AND FIGURES BEHIND THE HEADLINES...

George Ford is among distinguished company with a semi-final drop-goal

In a personal haul of 18 points in the win over Ulster Rugby two weeks ago, George Ford added his name to a list of players who have scored semi-final drop goals for the Tigers.

It was Ford’s seventh drop-goal success for the club in just over 100 appearances.

Tigers club historian Stuart Farmer notes only 12 men have

totalled more than 10 drop goals for the club, led by Les Cusworth (96), Jez Harris (70) and Dusty Hare (47) and all three feature in Stuart’s list of semifinal successes.

Cusworth, the mercurial fly-half who played from 1978 to 1990, landed four semi-final kicks, including two against London Scottish in 1981, and Hare joined him in scoring against the same

opponents, at the same stage, two years later.

Harris managed the feat twice, too, against Northampton and London Irish.

Arthur Jones is fourth on the all-time drop goal list for the club, scoring one of his 37 in a Midland Counties Cup semi-final in 1904, and Andy Goode is the only other player with more than 30 for the club, including two in semi-finals.

DROP GOAL IN SEMI-FINAL NAME

YEAR

OPPONENTS

VENUE

COMPETITION

Arthur Porter

1889

Stratford-upon-Avon

Belgrave

Midland Counties Cup Midland Counties Cup

Owen Wynne

1891

Old Edwardians

Belgrave

Arthur Jones

1898

Coventry

Butts Park

Midland Counties Cup

Alf Butlin

1901

Nuneaton

Welford Road

Midland Counties Cup

Arthur Jones

1901

Nuneaton

Welford Road

Midland Counties Cup

Jacky Braithwaite

1902

Burton

Welford Road

Midland Counties Cup

Arthur Jones

1904

Nuneaton

Welford Road

Midland Counties Cup

Dusty Hare

1978

Coventry

Welford Road

RFU Senior Cup

Bill Reichwald

1978

Coventry

Welford Road

RFU Senior Cup

Les Cusworth (2)

1981

London Scottish

Athletic Ground

RFU Senior Cup

Dusty Hare

1983

London Scottish

Athletic Ground

RFU Senior Cup

Les Cusworth

1983

London Scottish

Athletic Ground

RFU Senior Cup

Les Cusworth

1989

Harlequins

The Stoop

RFU Senior Cup

Jez Harris

1993

Northampton

Welford Road

RFU Senior Cup

Jez Harris

1996

London Irish

The Avenue

RFU Senior Cup

Joel Stransky (2)

1997

Gloucester

Kingsholm

RFU Senior Cup Anglo-Welsh Cup

Andy Goode

2007

Sale Sharks

Millennium Stadium

Andy Goode

2008

Gloucester

Kingsholm

Premiership

Tommy Bell

2015

Exeter Chiefs

Welford Road

Anglo-Welsh Cup

George Ford

2021

Ulster

Mattioli Woods Welford Road

Euro Challenge Cup

70

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

Tigers History

MAY

ON THIS DAY 2004

Tigers had never even played a game in the opening week of May until 1969 and fixtures during the month remained scarce until the professional era. The team’s first-ever outing on this date was as recently as 2004, coincidentally against today’s visitors who were then playing under the NEC Harlequins branding.

A 12,000 home crowd cheered Tigers to a 43-26 victory in the Zurich Wildcard competition after the team had finished fifth in the table during a turbulent season,

which had begun with England’s World Cup victory.

The Wildcard was a play-off event for teams contesting the right to the Premiership’s final place in the following season’s Heineken Cup, with Tigers claiming five tries to set up a final against Sale and the chance to continue the club’s ever-present record in Europe’s top competition.

Jaco van der Westhuyzen scored a try and a drop goal from fly-half in the win over Quins in his final appearance for the club before taking up commitments in Japan and

15 he finished the season as the team’s top tryscorer with 11 in his 18 games.

The Final against Sale two weeks later brought a 48-29 victory in front of a 30,000 Twickenham crowd ahead of the Premiership Final between Wasps and Bath.

Leon Lloyd (2), Neil Back (2), Austin Healey and Daryl Gibson on the scoresheet, and Andy Goode kicking 18 points.

That fixture saw last club appearances for replacements Adam Balding, Steve Booth and World Cup winner Dorian West.

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76

LEICESTER TIGERS v HARLEQUINS

FanZone Who Said That?

LEICESTER TIGERs

“He is amazing. He’s one of the best ball-carriers I’ve seen. He is a man after my own heart.”

VERSUS

Ellis Genge talking about team-mate Jasper Wiese

HARLEQUINS

G A L L AG H E R P R E M I E R S H I P SAT U R DAY, M AY 1 5, 2 0 2 1 K I C K- O F F 3.3 0 P M

PROGRAMME CREDITS

“We would love to have our supporters in, we really want them back. A majority of the squad have never played here in front of our supporters.

We are looking forward to that day and hearing that roar coming down the steps.”

Cover star: Matt Scott Editorial: Gary Sherrard, Phil Warrington & Sam Williamson Photography: Dave Wainwright, Malcolm Couzens, Geoff Sellars & James Baylis for Tiger Images and the team at Getty Images Design and Production: Ignition Sports Media

Steve Borthwick on Tigers support

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort but that only goes so far in stopping the blow of the loss.”

Charlie Clare after defeat at Sale Sharks

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Happy birthday to our season ticket holders celebrating today...

• Paul Atkins • Peter Briggs • Lee Claire • Catherine Clark • Andrew Craven • Keith Davis • Chris Day • Andrew Eagle

• Janette Eskrett • Alison Godfrey • Heidi-Louise Graham • Pamela Green • James Hendry • Alun Hopkins • Elias Jackson • James Jackson

• Kim Lacey • Claire Lee • Lloyd Levett • James McQueen • Coral Moran • Stephen Nottridge • Simon Pollard • Hilda Poole

• Scott Smart • Roger Smith • Lindsay Taylor • Richard Tudor • Holly Webb • Thomas Williams • Declan Wyles

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