Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons Digital Matchday Programme (28-03-2021)

LEICESTER TIGERs

VERSUS

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

G A L L AG H E R P R E M I E R S H I P S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 8, 2 0 2 1 K I C K- O F F 3.0 0 P M

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03

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

THE TEAMS

LEICESTER TIGERS

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

S TA R T I N G X V -

FREDDIE STEWARD

T P C D

15

T P C D

ALEX TAIT

-

-

HARRY POTTER

T P C D

14

T P C D

GEORGE WACOKECOKE

-

ARG -

MATÍAS MORONI

T P C D

13

T P C D

PETE LUCOCK

DAN KELLY

T P C D

12

T P C D

LUTHER BURRELL

ENG

-

FIJI

KINI MURIMURIVALU

T P C D

11

T P C D

BEN STEVENSON

-

ENG

GEORGE FORD

T P C D

10

T P C D

JOEL HODGSON

-

ENG

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

T P C D

9

T P C D

LOUIS SCHREUDER

ENG

ELLIS GENGE

T P C D

1

T P C D

ADAM BROCKLEBANK

ENG / LIONS

TOM YOUNGS (C)

T P C D

2

T P C D

JAMIE BLAMIRE

ENG / LIONS

SAF -

DAN COLE

T P C D

3

T P C D

JON WELSH

HARRY WELLS

T P C D

4

T P C D

DARREN BARRY

-

-

CALUM GREEN

T P C D

5

T P C D

SEAN ROBINSON

-

-

HANRO LIEBENBERG

T P C D

6

T P C D

WILL WELCH

-

-

SCO

-

TOMMY REFFELL

T P C D

7

T P C D

MARK WILSON (C)

-

JASPER WIESE

T P C D

8

T P C D

CALLUM CHICK

-

-

CHARLIE CLARE

T P C D

GEORGE McGUIGAN

-

-

LUAN DE BRUIN

T P C D

17

T P C D

KYLE COOPER

-

-

JOE HEYES

T P C D

18

T P C D

MARK TAMPIN

-

-

CAMERON HENDERSON

T P C D

19

T P C D

CONNOR COLLETT

-

GEORGE MARTIN

T P C D

20

T P C D

PHILIP VAN DER WALT

-

-

JACK VAN POORTVLIET

T P C D

21

T P C D

SAM STUART

-

-

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

T P C D

22

T P C D

BRETT CONNON

-

-

GUY PORTER

T P C D

23

T P C D

MORGAN PASSMAN

-

ENG

R E P L AC E M E N T S

ENG

16

T P C D

M AT C H O F F I C I A L S Referee: Mr Karl Dickson Assistants: Mr Greg Macdonald & Mr Wayne Falla TMO: Mr Rowan Kitt Citing Officer: Mr Shaun Gallagher A N Y L AT E C H A N G E S W I L L B E C O N F I R M E D O N T H E W E B S I T E

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05

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS CONTENTS 3 TEAMS 7

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

9

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

12

CLUB NEWS

16

TIGERS TALK WITH CHARLIE CLARE

23

MEET THE OPPOSITION

28

MATCH PREVIEWS

32

FULL FIXTURE LIST

34

PLAYING STATS

38

TIGERS MATCHFILES

44

FROM THE BOARDROOM

48

THE PLAYING SQUAD

56

TIGERS RUGBY CAMPS

60

COMMUNITY TEAM

62

JUNIOR TIGERS CLUB

65

MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION

66

ON THIS DAY

69

STATS PACK

73

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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23/03/2021 15:53

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

07

Peter Tom CBE

CHAIRMAN Welcome to matchday and this Gallagher Premiership Round 15 meeting between the Tigers and Newcastle Falcons.

There are, of course, a number of faces who are very well known to us in the Falcons set-up and they will have been delighted by the strong start they made on their return to Premiership Rugby this season.

We have also enjoyed some good form recently, with a longawaited away win at Gloucester on the back of victory over London Irish in our last home game, and then a determined fightback at Exeter last week which brought the consolation of a bonus point in defeat.

Steve and the team would have, of course, preferred not to have to come back from such a big deficit in the first half, but the commitment to the cause and the sheer ‘never say die’ mindset of that performance in the final 50 minutes said a lot for the players, coaches and support staff, and for the improvements that have been made this season.

The win at Gloucester was hard-earned and, likewise, the team had to dig in for the victory over Irish here after conceding a try in the opening minute of the game. But the belief and confidence that comes with those performances can only stand us in good stead.

The England internationals have returned this week after the Six Nations and their presence,

along with the growth and experience gained by the players who have played for the Tigers through this extended run of Gallagher Premiership fixtures, adds to the strength across the board as Steve approaches this next set of games.

I am sure you would like to join me in congratulating George

European Challenge Cup and we look forward to welcoming them to Mattioli Woods Welford Road next Saturday evening, with a home quarter-final against Ospreys or Newcastle for the winners. That will be an intriguing contest but, first, all eyes are on Tigers and Falcons this afternoon.

Hard-earned point at Chiefs last week

Martin, who gained his first England cap in the Six Nations last weekend.

Just like Ben and George, George joined Tigers while still at school and has worked his way through to reach the senior ranks and is now a full international.

That is a credit to him and everyone who has worked with him along the way.

Since our last home game, we have been paired with Connacht Rugby in the last 16 of the

As always, thank you all for your loyal support, wherever you follow the game.

While this year-long lockdown has brought many challenges, it has also been humbling to know just how much the club means to you and our community, and that makes us all the more determined to enjoy the days when we can all be together again in our stadium.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Head coach Steve Borthwick

FROM THE TOUCHLINE “To achieve what we want to achieve is going to take everybody. The passion for this club is incredible.

People expect that a Leicester Tigers team fights to the very end of every game.

They expect to see a team that is trying to get better every single day. That is good because that is what we expect as well.

The performance at Exeter showed the players care deeply about the club and it is a team that does not go away. There is a steel inside the team and that is a credit to the players. We are moving in the right direction but we still have a lot of work to do.”

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LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

CLUB NEWS

Nic Dolly

Squad additions Since our last home game, Tigers have announced two additions to the forward pack.

Scotland international prop Darryl Marfo has arrived on a short-term deal and has already started training at Oval Park.

The 30-year-old Marfo has had previous spells in Premiership rugby with Harlequins and Bath, as well as representing Edinburgh and Ospreys.

Tigers have also announced the signing of hooker Nic Dolly from Coventry, where he scored tries in each of their opening three games in the Championship campaign.

Dolly joined Sale Sharks in 2017 and spent time on loan with Sale FC, Rotherham and Jersey before moving to Coventry.

After England Under-18 honours, he was part of the squad at the Under-20s Six Nations and Junior Worlds in 2019 alongside Tigers prop Joe Heyes.

Speaking about the additions, head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Daryl is an experienced player, he has played international rugby and he adds important depth to our pack.

“Nic is an ambitious, hardworking player and impressive young man who we believe can add to our squad and develop his game as a member of the Leicester squad.”

Dolly added: “I’m excited to be working under Steve, with all his knowledge, attention to detail and the environment he has created. It’s inevitable that you are going to develop and it’s going to be a challenge but one I’m excited about.”

Sam Aspland-Robinson will join Coventry on a dualregistration contract with Tigers.

Topps Tiles Try-Umph Lookout this week for the shortlist for the Topps Tiles Try-umph of the Month.

Voting opens on the club website from Thursday and the winner will be revealed by LTTV. Planning a tiling project or renovation? Visit www.toppstiles. co.uk for the latest trends, tiling advice new products and, for more inspiration, follow @toppstiles on Instagram.

Welcome back The 20th anniversary dinner marking the Tigers’ first European title has been rescheduled for Friday, June 25 to allow guests to attend in line with the government’s four-step roadmap out of Covid-19.

The event is hosted in partnership with Switch the Play Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting all sportspeople to successfully transition into life outside of sport.

Tickets are available now. See the Tigers website for details.

TigersLotto Congratulations to our latest TigersLotto weekly winners who each receive £100: David Docherty, Market Harborough; David Dawes, Leicester Forest East; Adam Shaw, Ilkeston; Nicholas Kidd, Upper Broughton; and Sachna Shukla, Leicester.

On matchday we will also announce our season ticket holder winner with the chance to bag £100 credit.

Alongside the weekday draws, TigersLotto also includes eight monthly £500 draws and four Mega Draws with prize value of more than £1,000.

Join or renew now for £52 to cover every draw in a whole year.

Premiership Cup It has been confirmed that this year’s Premiership Rugby Cup, scheduled to be played as a midweek competition commencing in April, has been cancelled.

A Premiership Rugby statement said: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to present significant challenges for sport and, following consultation with our clubs over the past few weeks, we have decided to cancel the Premiership Rugby Cup for this season.”

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16

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Charlie Clare T IGE R S TA L K

SECOND TIME AROUND Charlie Clare had to wait a long time for his senior debut with Tigers but it has not dimmed his determination to make the most of his opportunities in the green, white and red...

It is unusual to hear that having a long way to go is a positive sign of progress, but those are the words that come out loud and clear from Tigers camp.

Take hooker Charlie Clare, who has just agreed terms on a new contract to extend his second spell at the club.

In announcing agreement on his new contract last week, he said: “This is my second season back at the club and with

the mood in the stables at the moment, there is such a good feeling about the growth the team has made over a short six months or so since Steve came in.

“And the best thing is, we are so far away from where we want to be.

“We haven’t even put a label on where we want to be. But there is something growing, something getting better and it is just great to be part of that, so it was an easy decision to sign again.”

17

18

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

T IGE R S TA L K It has been a long and winding road into the Tigers first-team squad for Clare, who originally arrived from his home in Norfolk more than a decade ago and served as academy captain. He left without making a first-team experience and gained experience elsewhere before finally returning in the summer of 2019.

In the 18 months since then, he has made his mark at senior level, collected his player’s tie after topping 20 appearances and played his part in the improving performances and results during Steve Borthwick’s first year as head coach.

The offer of a new contract shows how much he has established himself within that, making 10 appearances already this season and 23 over the last campaign-and-a-half.

“It has been really pleasing and really fun to be a part of it so far,” Charlie says.

“Some of the training sessions are far from fun but once you’ve finished, the enjoyment and the satisfaction comes with the results you see on the pitch.”

Clare joined George Ford, Calum Green and Ryan Bower as academy graduates who have returned to the club as senior players and when he was unveiled as a new signing during the summer of 2019, the front-rower admitted he’d been keeping tabs on the club from the day he left for stints with Jersey, Bedford and Northampton.

“I’d had a conversation with Leicester probably once a year ever since I first left,” he revealed at the start of the 2019-20 season.

“There was nothing concrete or anything, but then this time there was a call from my agent. It was a very short conversation. My family were excited when I told them I was coming back.”

Reflecting on that second spell so far, he now adds: “Ask all those

guys - Calum, Ryan Bower, those guys who went away and have come back - about how happy and proud they are to come back and be involved in trying to get the club where it wants to be, it’s great.”

Although he has had to be patient to get this far, Clare acknowledges that he is still improving his own game and has the support of his head coach in thinking the best is yet to come.

“I think a lot of it is down to strength and conditioning. I’ve never been a player naturally gifted in those aspects of the game,” he says with a smile.

“I’ve worked really closely with fitness coaches and during lockdown was when I really got myself into better shape.

“Aled is pushing the fitness and, while it might not be obvious on the pitch in how much you do, it is there in being able to think clearly under pressure, being more able to execute and think under fatigue rather than just trying to get your breath back!”

Borthwick said he was happy to offer Clare new terms and added he sees more to come from the 29-year-old, telling the media this week: “Charlie is a fantastic character. He is someone who came through the academy, he cares deeply about the team and that is very, very important to me and our supporters. You can see that in the way he plays and the way he trains.

“I enjoy working with him and I think there is a lot of growth in his game as well.

“I am excited about where he can take his game."

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

19

T IGE R S TA L K Borthwick’s reputation as a coach has won acclaim throughout the game, working at international level before taking on a new challenge with the Tigers, and Clare is keen to make the most of his opportunity.

“Steve gave me the chance and has backed me and it is nice to be able to try to repay that on the pitch,” he says.

“He is very personal and speaks to us one-to-one quite a lot and gives us a very clear indication of what he expects from you.

“It is helpful, it means you have a very clear idea of your role going on the pitch and it also means you have no real excuses not to perform.”

Hooker is a competitive place to play, especially at a club where forward play has been so important over the years and where reputations have been forged. But it is a challenge that Clare relishes rather than finds daunting.

He says: “I have international players around me and mixing it with them is just a great opportunity to learn.

“I also spent a lot of time with Taff [Tatafu Polota-Nau] when he was here - though perhaps most of it was on the golf course! - and when you spend time with him you learn from his experiences.

“It’s just about the ways to cope with different scenarios and the mental aspect of it.

“I’ve known Tom Youngs for a long time and he is a really good person to speak to on that side too. Julian Montoya is a fantastic player, he’s a great scrummager and picking his brains is only going to make you a better player.

“I think we are getting that around the whole squad, everyone just wants to improve. If you do train well you do get your opportunity and in that sense it has been great.

“Jake Kerr is another international and he sets a benchmark to try to achieve in terms of fitness too. Everyone is pushing each other in different ways and it is a great squad to be part of.”

As someone who came through the junior age groups and has Tigers ‘in his blood’ from his early days of playing the game in Norfolk, Clare appreciates entirely what it means to wear the green, white and red, and to play a part in the journey with the current squad.

“It’s not down to one person in particular… Tom Youngs drives that, Ben Youngs drives it, Coley drives it, and Brett and Smithy among the coaches. We’ve got players and coaches who have been Tigers through and through,” he says.

“Personally, I was nowhere near achieving the goals I set for

myself when I was first here and it is such a privilege to come back and be involved in the first-team squad and play.

“It took longer than I wanted it to, but I wouldn’t be here now without the experiences I had elsewhere and I’m proud of those experiences, going to those clubs and playing and learning and bringing it back.

“It also helps to give you a better aspect of how things are done elsewhere.”

Now he is back and is only looking forward to the next stages in the squad’s development.

“Everything we do has a point to it. We never feel we are just being dragged out for the sake of doing it - EVERYTHING is done to a point and that makes everything more meaningful when you come into the training ground.

“Steve expects a high standard, but he is also encouraging with that as well.

“He makes you believe that you can achieve what he wants you to. You always go into a game believing you can win, which is something in itself.”

20

After nine successive weeks of Gallagher Premiership rugby, the spotlight switches to Europe next week as Tigers host Connacht Rugby in the last 16 of the European Challenge Cup. Tournament organisers announced earlier this month that the format of the competition would have to be altered again, with only two rounds of the preliminary stages completed before fixtures were suspended in the new year due to Covid regulations.

After beating Brive at home and fellow Top14 outfit Bayonne away, Tigers were guaranteed a home draw when the match action resumes with the Round of 16 at the start of the knockout stages next weekend.

Tigers also have the possibility of a home game in the quarterfinals if they come through next week, with the Ospreys or Newcastle Falcons due at

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Mattioli Woods Welford Road the following weekend.

Connacht are the Challenge Cup’s most experienced team with 126 previous matches in the tournament, while Tigers reached the semi-finals last season before being beaten in Toulon. The two sides have never previously met.

Connacht began the season in the Heineken Champions Cup but dropped into the Challenge Cup after defeats by Racing 92 and Bristol Bears.

Led by Australian head coach Andy Friend, Connacht have enjoyed a strong start to their domestic season in the Pro14 as they sit in second place behind Munster in Pool B with eight wins.

Tigers versus Connacht is an 8.00pm kick-off next Saturday and French official Pascal Gauzère has been appointed as referee.

There is live coverage with BT Sport or keep up to date with the Tigers’ Matchday Live and social media pages.

Challenge Cup draw ROUND OF 16 Dragons v Northampton Saints Ospreys v Newcastle Falcons London Irish v Cardiff Blues Harlequins v Ulster

Benetton v Agen Zebre Rugby Club v Bath Rugby Leicester Tigers v Connacht Montpellier v Glasgow Warriors

QUARTER-FINALS Montpellier/Glasgow Warriors v Benetton/Agen Dragons/Northampton Saints v Harlequins/Ulster

Zebre Rugby Club/Bath Rugby v London Irish/Cardiff Blues Leicester Tigers/Connacht v Ospreys/Newcastle Falcons

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TACKLING TOMORROW. TOGETHER.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

T O D AY ’ S O P P O S I T I O N

NEWCASTLE FALCONS TIMELINE GOSFORTH 1877 | NORTHUMBERL AND RFC 1882 GOSFORTH 1887 | NE WCASTLE GOSFORTH 1990 NE WCAS TLE FALCONS 1996

MO V E D T O K ING S T ON PA RK 1990 F IRS T MEE T ING W I T H L EICE S T ER 1969 PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONS

CUP WINNERS

RUNNERS-UP

1997/98

1976, 1977, 2001, 2004

1981, 1999, 2010

FALCONS MOST APPEARANCES 286 2 74 262 258 252 250 242 227

MICK Y WA RD T O M M AY ROB VICKERS M AT T T H O MP S O N JAMIE NOON A L E X TA I T WILL WELCH MARK WILSON

2020-21 PREMIERSHIP RECORD TOP POINTS SCORER 37 BRET T CONNON TOP TRY SCORER 3 GARY GRAHAM | A DA M R A DWA N DISCIPLINARY RECORD 4 YELLOW CARDS

2012 DE AN RICHARDS APPOINTED AS FA L C ONS DIREC T OR OF RUGB Y

24

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

SQUAD 2020-21 – BACKS – Pos / Honours / Age / Last Club TOM ARSCOTT W

-

ALEX TAIT 33

Rouen

21

Jaguares

MATEO CARRERAS W

England

33

Academy

W

Australia

33

Bath

GEORGE WACOKECOKE 24

Academy

TOBY FLOOD FH

-

COOPER VUNA

BRETT CONNON FB

FB

W

-

25

-

32

Bath

32

Warrington

MICHAEL YOUNG 35

Toulouse

28

Yorkshire Carnegie

SH

-

JOEL HODGSON FH

-

PETER LUCOCK C

-

ONE TO WATCH LUTHER BURRELL

29

Doncaster

24

Redruth

C

England

JOEL MATAVESI FH

-

CAMERON NORDLI-KELEMETI SH

-

21

Academy

29

Jaguares

32

Leicester Tigers

26

Harlequins

23

Academy

MATIAS ORLANDO C

Argentina

GARETH OWEN C

-

TOM PENNY C

-

ADAM RADWAN W

-

LOUIS SCHREUDER SH

South Africa

30 Sharks

SAM STUART SH

-

26

Richmond

22

Academy

BEN STEVENSON C

-

A familiar foe for Tigers during seven years at Northampton, he also played for Leeds and Sale Sharks, and made his England debut against France in 2014. He spent last season in Rugby League with Warrington Wolves before joining Falcons.

25

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

RODNEY AH YOU P

Ireland

32

Ulster

31

Worcester

DARREN BARRY L

-

GARY GRAHAM BR

Scotland

28

Signed in 2017, the son of former international prop George Graham made an instant impact and joined the England training squad before being denied an opportunity by a neck injury. Back to fitness, he instead made a Test debut for Scotland in 2019.

JAMIE BLAMIRE H

-

23

Academy

25

Durham Univ

24

Academy

25

North Harbour

32

Sharks

ADAM BROCKLEBANK P

-

CALLUM CHICK BR

-

CONNOR COLLETT BR

-

KYLE COOPER H

-

MIKE DANIELS P

-

LOGOVI’I MULIPOLA 28

Nottingham

TREVOR DAVISON P

Italy

28

Blaydon

Argentina

30 Treviso

Scotland

Jaguares

22

Edinburgh

-

32

Jersey Reds

-

29

Jersey Reds

-

27

Leicester Tigers

-

L

-

30 Randwick

L

-

28

Exeter Chiefs

H

-

25

Bedford

BR

-

29

Ealing

BR

-

31

Sharks

Fl

-

30 Academy

JOHN WELSH 21

Academy

WILL MONTGOMERY BR

30 Bordeaux-Begles

WILL WELCH

TOM MARSHALL BR

USA

PHILLIP VAN DER WALT

GEORGE McGUIGAN H

L

MARK TAMPIN

CHARLIE MADDISON H

Gloucester

ROBBIE SMITH

SAM LOCKWOOD P

34

TOBY SALMON

21

JOHN HARDIE BR

Samoa

SEAN ROBINSON

SANTIAGO GRONDONA BR

P

GREG PETERSON

MARCO FUSER L

Jersey Reds

P

Scotland

34

Glasgow

28

Academy

MARK WILSON 21

Academy

BR

England

CAPTAINS COLLECTION

BACK IN STOCK

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28

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

THE BIG MATCH Tigers welcome Newcastle Falcons in more Gallagher Premiership action...

In the last eight rounds of Gallagher Premiership action, Leicester Tigers’ record is an even won four, lost four.

Tigers have lost just once at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in any competition since early December - against Sale Sharks in Round 7 - and have picked up nine points in the last three games.

The 25-22 win over Harlequins in Round 11 was Newcastle’s only win in the competition since early January, after a strong start to their Premiership return, and their last win away from home in the competition was at Wasps in December.

The two clubs were due to meet in Round 4 at Christmas but a Covid outbreak resulted in a declared victory for the Tynesiders.

Dean Richards’ Newcastle travel to the East Midlands in search of a first win over Leicester since securing their own place in the top four and denying their rivals a spot in the Premiership semi-finals in April 2018.

Karl Dickson is the referee this afternoon, in charge for the 40th time in Premiership Rugby.

FROM BOTH SIDES A tryscorer in the 2009 Heineken Cup Final against Leinster, Ben Woods joined Tigers from Newcastle at the same time as Toby Flood.

A quick and competitive openside flanker, he made 70 appearances in four seasons, including two Premiership finals, before his career was stalled by a wrist injury.

He started his pro career with Newcastle in 2003 and played for England Saxons against Ireland ‘A’ at Welford Road in 2008 under the captaincy of Jordan Crane as well as in three Churchill Cup campaigns.

LAST FIVE PREMIERSHIP MEETINGS 2018-19

2018-19

2017-18

2017-18

2016-17

29

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

ELSEWHERE IN ROUND 15

GLOUCESTER RUGBY v EXETER CHIEFS

BRISTOL BEARS v HARLEQUINS

LONDON IRISH v BATH RUGBY

Gloucester gave Premiership debuts to four players last week and went into the Friday tea-time kick-off with Chiefs looking to avoid a hat-trick of defeats after recent losses to Leicester and Harlequins. Their only home win since December was against Worcester last month.

Bristol have won four in a row and are unbeaten in six games since a 13-20 loss to Sale on February 5. Their only other home defeat this season was to Clermont Auvergne in the opening round of the European Champions Cup.

Irish are unbeaten at home since early December, while Bath’s only defeat in the last six rounds was against Exeter earlier this month.

Exeter have won their last three games, including two with maximum points, and have lost only once away since early January.

Chiefs have won their last three meetings with Gloucester and two of their last three trips to face the Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm.

Harlequins have lost their last two away games, at Newcastle and Exeter, but were top scorers in Round 14 thanks to a 59-24 win over Gloucester.

Bath have won their last three away games and also their last 12 contests with the Exiles in the Gallagher Premiership since an Irish victory at Madejski Stadium in September 2012.

Irish last won at the Recreation Ground in 2009.

The Bears have won the last two meetings, while Quins’ only previous victory at Ashton Gate was in 2017.

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP TABLE

WORCESTER WARRIORS v NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

Worcester Warriors have slipped to four straight defeats since a declared victory over Newcastle in Round 10. Their most recent win at Sixways was against London Irish in Round 1 this season.

Saints have won just once in the last four rounds but won four in a row away from home before defeat at Harlequins.

Northampton have won the last six meetings of the teams since a Warriors victory at Sixways in November 2017.

WASPS v SALE SHARKS Wasps lost four in a row before a hardfought 20-18 success at Newcastle a week ago. But they have lost their last four at home since a win over Exeter at New Year.

Sale Sharks have lost just once in the last four rounds but have been beaten in their last two away games.

Wasps beat Sale 26-23 in Round 4 and have not achieved a Premiership double over the northerners since 2010-11. The Sharks have won on their last two visits to the Ricoh Arena.

Pld

W

D

L

T

F

A

1

Bristol Bears

14

11

1

2

46

363

237

Pts 56

2

Exeter Chiefs

14

10

0

4

52

348

227

49

3

Harlequins

14

8

1

5

48

408

297

44

4

Sale Sharks

14

9

0

5

35

321

254

42

5

Northampton Saints

14

7

0

7

29

243

266

36

6

London Irish

14

5

2

7

28

253

277

35

7

Bath Rugby

14

7

0

7

36

308

377

34

8

Leicester Tigers

14

7

0

7

32

290

307

33

9

Newcastle Falcons

14

6

0

8

26

209

238

30

10

Wasps

14

6

0

8

38

304

361

30

11

Gloucester Rugby

14

3

0

11

35

291

377

20

12

Worcester Warriors

14

3

0

11

23

194

314

18

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32

D

T

C

P

D Pos

FORD

P

ENEVER

C

DIAZ BONILLA

T

DE BRUIN

DEFENCE

Result

COLE

HT

COGHLAN

ATTACK Att

CLARE

Opponents

CHESSUM

v

BRINK

Date Comp

BOWER

SEASON STATS 2020-21

ASPLAND-ROBINSON

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

-

12-28

● 31-47

5

3

-

-

7

6

-

-

8

TOTAL

25 20 26 0 24 20 22 0

Sat 20

GPR

A

Exeter Chiefs

Sun 28

GPR

H

Newcastle Falcons

H

Connacht Rugby (8pm)

APRIL 2021 Sat 3

ECC

W/O 9

ECC

Sun 18

GPR

A

Bath Rugby

Sat 24

GPR

H

Northampton Saints

W/O 30

ECC

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

May 2021 W/O 7

GPR

A

Sale Sharks

W/O 14

GPR

H

Harlequins

Fri 21

ECC

W/O 28

GPR

A

Worcester Warriors

Final at Marseille

JUNE 2021 W/O 4

GPR

H

Bristol Bears

W/O 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

5

5

1 5

13

5

2

Started match 5

3

13

5

9

12

5

16 5

0

2

5

4

Used as a replacement 5

5

5

5

5

Bench (not used)

13

5 5

5

5

10

5

5

5

10

5 5

Points scored in a match

3 5 5

8

5 5 5

5

5

5 5

5

5 5

PENALTY TRY

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

HEYES

HENRY

HENDERSON

GREEN

GIGENA

GENGE

FORD

33

34

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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 Blake ENEVER George FORD Ellis GENGE Facundo GIGENA Calum GREEN Cameron HENDERSON Zack HENRY Joe HEYES Dan KELLY Jake KERR Tomás LAVANINI Henri LAVIN Jonny LAW Nephi LEATIGAGA Sam LEWIS Hanro LIEBENBERG Darryl MARFO Johnny McPHILLIPS

APPS 1+2 8+4 2+2 2+8 9+3 6+2 2+3 0+1 1+1 1+1 1 10+2 3+1 11 5+9 4+3 0+2 8+2 5+8 11 0+7

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

PTS 10 5 10 23 31 5 5 97 10 5 5 13

APPS 8+6 4+9 8+4 5+2 6+17 7+4 195+59 6+2 2+3 4+2 82+16 59+20 16+29 42+11 5+4 16+3 24+36 6+4 15+31 25+4 0+1 0+2 9+33 10+11 24+2 2+13

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 2 1 3 1 3 8 7 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 2 2 1

PTS 10 5 15 5 15 23 931 35 5 5 15 128 10 10 5 5 10 10 40

35

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

NAME 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 2+2 3+1 8 6+3 4 6+2 2+1 7+4 10 2+1 12 2+2 6 3+7 10 0+5 9+5 0+3 2+6 8 8 1+1 9+3

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

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

APPS 4+3 3+1 8 9+3 9 30+11 10+3 7+2 24+15 16 10+15 5+5 20+4 11+7 16+2 6+9 11 5+8 59+54 0+3 27+43 8 8 3+1 41+21 203+51 163+43

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

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

£52

PLAY. WIN. SUPPORT.

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38

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

– MATCHFILE – LEICESTER TIGERS 33-32 LONDON IRISH Friday March 5 2021 / Gallagher Premiership Round 12 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Wayne Barnes LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Kobus van Wyk T 13 Matiás Moroni 12 Matt Scott 11 Guy Porter 10 Zack Henry 3P/2C 9 Richard Wigglesworth

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Luan de Bruin Tom Youngs (c) Dan Cole Calum Green Tomás Lavanini Harry Wells Tommy Reffell Cyle Brink

A scoreboard showing a onepoint win did not tell the full story of an incident-packed game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as London Irish added their final seven points with time already beyond 80 minutes, having added a penalty try just moments earlier.

Beaten just once since early December, the Exiles got off to a flying start with a converted try from Paddy Jackson just 37 seconds after kick-off.

But Tigers worked their way back into the game and created a well-worked score for Kobus van Wyk as the teams reached halftime level at 13-13.

Ollie Chessum came off the bench to score in the opening minutes of the second half, driving over from close range, and Tigers led by 10 before Ollie Hassell-Collins scored for Irish approaching the final quarter.

The visitors then lost Terrence Hepetema to a red card for a high tackle and Kini Murimurivalu scored with an explosive diagonal run to the posts to provide some breathing space for Tigers.

But there was more drama to come as Jack Van Poortvliet was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, which also brought a

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Charlie Clare Nephi Leatigaga Joe Heyes Ollie Chessum Luke Wallace Jack van Poortvliet Johnny McPhillips Kini Murimurivlu

penalty try, and then Joe Heyes was yellow-carded allowing Irish to use their numerical advantage after refusing a kick at goal to set up a bonus-point try for hooker Matt Cornish.

NOTEBOOK… Yellow cards for Jack van Poortvliet and Joe Heyes in the 79th and 80th minutes following a red card for former Tigers

T

T

IRISH: Parton, Loader, Rona, Hepetema, Hassell-Collins, Jackson, Phipps; GoodrickClarke, Creevy, Chawatama, Mafi, Simmons, Rogerson (c), Cowan, Tuisue. Reps: Cornish, Dell, Hoskins, Munga, Nott, Donnell, Meehan, Joseph

centre Terrence Hepetema…

First try for Ollie Chessum… Four players absent with England, Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese suspended.

QUOTE...

“We felt we were in the match, we were on top of them, but when we gave away silly penalties they got back at us.”

Matías Moroni

39

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

– MATCHFILE – GLOUCESTER 14-20 LEICESTER TIGERS Saturday March 13 2021 / Gallagher Premiership Round 13 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Adam Leal LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Kobus van Wyk 13 Matiás Moroni 12 Dan Kelly T 11 Kini Murimurivalu 10 Zack Henry C/P 9 Richard Wigglesworth

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Luan de Bruin Tom Youngs (c) Dan Cole Harry Wells Calum Green Hanro Liebenberg Tommy Reffell Cyle Brink

Tries from Tom Youngs, Dan Kelly and Harry Wells combined with some staunch late defence gave Tigers a first away win of the Gallagher Premiership season at Kingsholm.

The scores from Youngs - a survivor of the team’s last win at this venue more than four years ago - on the right and Dan Kelly in the left-hand corner, both came from lineout drives as Tigers made pressure on the Gloucester defence count after earlier conceding a score from full-back Santiago Carreras.

The visitors led 15-7 at the interval on a windy and cold afternoon in the West Country, in pursuit of a first Kingsholm victory since 2016 and a seasonal double over the Cherry and Whites.

Gloucester responded with the opening score of the second period as former Tigers captain Ed Slater sliced through from strong recycling work before Wells touched down his team’s third of the day, driving over from close range after Zack Henry’s footwork had almost taken him to the tryline.

Tigers then had to dig deep to withstand some late pressure and take the four match points.

T T

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Charlie Clare Nephi Leatigaga Joe Heyes Tomás Lavanini Ollie Chessum Jack van Poortvliet Johnny McPhillips Guy Porter

NOTEBOOK… Tigers moved ahead on win count in this fixture for the first time - in the 227th meeting of the teams… First away win in league since April 2019… Dan Kelly’s first Premiership try… Victory took Tigers past last season’s points total… Four players absent with England… Hanro Liebenberg back from ban.

GLOUCESTER: Carreras, Sharples, Seabrook ,Twelvetrees, Morris, Barton, Heinz; Seville, Socino, Stanley, Slater, Alemanno, Reid, Ludlow (c), Ackermann.

Reps: Walker, Ford-Robinson, Balmain, Craig, Clement, Chapman, Trinder, Banahan

QUOTE...

“We put ourselves under pressure in the last 10 minutes but we managed to pull it through. We have that belief in each other to back ourselves even when times are tough.”

Hanro Liebenberg

40

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

– LAST TIME OUT – EXETER CHIEFS 47-31 LEICESTER TIGERS Saturday March 20 2021 / Gallagher Premiership Round 14 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Jack Makepeace LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Kobus van Wyk 13 Matt Scott 12 Dan Kelly 11 Guy Porter 10 Zack Henry 9 Jack Van Poortvliet

T C T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Nephi Leatigaga Charlie Clare Joe Heyes Cameron Henderson Tomás Lavanini Cyle Brink Tommy Reffell Hanro Liebenberg (c)

Fourteen-man Tigers came back from an early 28-point deficit to score five tries and ensure some reward from the trip to face defending champions Chiefs at Sandy Park.

It looked ominous for Tigers when, immediately after conceding the opening try, wing Kobus van Wyk was red-carded for a high tackle and then backrow Cyle Brink lost to injury.

And Chiefs certainly showed their ruthless side with three more scores in a 10-minute spell around the half-hour.

But the short-handed Tigers countered by converting two opportunities in the five minutes before half-time, as Tomás Lavanini forced his way over from close range and then Jack Van Poortvliet darted off the back of a ruck to get a foothold in the game at 28-12.

Tigers conceded the first points of the second half before claiming three more tries through Matt Scott, Charlie Clare and finally an impressive run-in on the right from skipper Hanro Liebenberg.

With the forwards on the front foot, Tigers got to within nine points of their hosts at one stage - and saw a crosskick from

T T T

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Jake Kerr James Whitcombe Luan de Bruin Harry Wells Luke Wallace Ben White Johnny McPhillips Harry Potter

Johnny McPhillips narrowly evade Freddie Steward in space on the wing - but they fell just short of adding a second bonus point from the day.

NOTEBOOK… First Tigers try for Tomás Lavanini… Four players away with England, including debutant George Martin…

Third red card of the season…

3C

EXETER: Cordero, Woodburn, Skinner, Devoto, O’Flaherty, J Simmonds (c), Maunder; Moon, Innard, Williams, Kirsten, Lonsdale, Ewers, Vermeulen, S Simmonds.

Reps: Taione, Hepburn, Street, Armand, Capstick, Hidalgo-Clyne, John, Hodge

Hanro Liebenberg’s first game as captain… Harry Potter’s first game since Round 2.

QUOTE...

“Those two quick tries just before half-time gave us something in the game and in the second half we said we will go for them a bit more and we did that.”

Tommy Reffell

DAVID HAYE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

SIMON WESTON MONDAY, MAY 24

LEICESTER TIGERS

BUSINESS CLUB

SPONSORED BY MATTIOLI WOODS Leicester Tigers’ Business Club is back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, giving you the opportunity to connect with local and national businesses.

Sponsored by Mattioli Woods, the Business Club has two remaining in-person networking lunches.

Our first in-person event kicks off on Monday, May 24 with guest speaker Simon Weston starting at 12.00pm.

The following Business Club will take place on Wednesday, June 30 with guest speaker David Haye starting at 12.00pm.

A Business Club membership includes: • One place at each of the remaining two networking lunch events • Two-course meal for each lunch event • Member option to invite up to two new business introduction guests for each event • Networking opportunities at every event • Listing on the Business Club event page • Priority booking for other club events

Membership Price

£100pp + VAT

Sponsored By

To book your place, call our team on 0116 217 1215 or email sales@tigers.co.uk www.leicestertigers.com/businessclub

44

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Andrea Pinchen

FROM THE BOARDROOM Chief executive Andrea Pinchen reveals how the club is back out in the community.

The passing of the anniversary of the first phase of lockdown was a sobering moment for us all, especially as, back in March 2020, the predictions were that we would have to endure some hardship but probably only for a brief period.

There were several dates pencilled in for when lives could possibly return to ‘normal’ but none that stood the test of time against such a serious virus.

Now here we are a full year on, still living by measures which restrict social gathering and interaction, though now at least there is a roadmap to potentially come out the other end and resume all of the things we have missed most.

It has not just been the stadium at Mattioli Woods Welford Road that has remained closed for those 12 months, with most of the Tigers’ community activities also suspended.

The club is extremely proud of its place within the game of rugby and within our city, county and region, and not being allowed to go out and engage with people has been especially tough.

Now, however, we have seen the first shoots of Spring in our activities with our community team finally able to go back into schools.

They have been extremely well received too, assisting teachers in providing sessions to get young people active and engaged as they have returned to school after such a long time away from their own social circles.

We have all spent so long in isolation from friends and family that it is wonderful to finally get this far.

These are the first steps for the club in being face to face again with the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and beyond, and we hope they are the first of many in coming weeks and months.

Our community department are able to provide activities and advice for groups of all ages and abilities, and they are very keen to hear from any school or organisation who would like to link up with the Tigers, to share our expertise and resources and, above all, have some fun. We all deserve that after the last 12 months!

46

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

CLUB PARTNERS

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

MAIN PARTNER

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

47

48

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

49

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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:

50

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

GEORGE FORD

ELLIS GENGE

CALUM GREEN

ZACK HENRY

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Position: Lock

Position: Fly-half

Born: 16/03/93

Born: 16/02/95

Born: 15/07/90

Born: 01/10/94

Height:

1.78m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

86kg/13st 7lb

Weight:

117kg/18st 6lb

Weight:

119kg/18st 12lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

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:

JOE HEYES

WILL HURD

JAKE KERR

TOMAS LAVANINI

Position: Prop

Position: Prop

Position: Hooker

Position: Lock

Born: 13/04/99

Born: 29/06/99

Born: 13/04/96

Born: 22/01/93

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

2.01m/6ft 7in

Weight:

126kg/19st 12lb

Weight:

121kg/19st 1lb

Weight:

105kg/16st 7lb

Weight:

130kg/20st 7lb

Honours: Scotland ACADEMY GRADUATE

Honours: Argentina

51

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

NEPHI LEATIGAGA

SAM LEWIS

HANRO LIEBENBERG

DARRYL MARFO

Position: Prop

Position: Lock/Flanker

Position:

Back row

Position: Prop

Born: 09/12/93

Born: 27/04/98

Born: 10/10/95

Born: 01/11/90

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.95m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.97m/6ft 5 in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Weight:

149kg/23st 6lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

112kg/17st 9lb

Honours: Samoa

Honours: Scotland ACADEMY GRADUATE

S P O N S O R E D BY:

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

JULIÁN MONTOYA

MATIAS MORONI

KINI MURIMURIVALU

Position: Fly-half/Centre/Full-back

Position: Hooker

Position: Centre/Wing

Position: Full-back/Wing

Born: 13/03/97

Born: 29/10/93

Born: 10/07/91

Born: 15/05/89

Height:

1.80m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

113kg/17st 11lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Honours: Argentina

Honours: Argentina

Honours: Fiji

52

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

NEMANI NADOLO

JORDAN OLOWOFELA

GUY PORTER

HARRY POTTER

Position: Wing/centre

Position: Wing/full-back

Position: Centre/Wing

Position: Wing

Born: 31/01/88

Born: 17/04/98

Born: 23/01/97

Born: 15/12/97

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.88m / 6ft 2in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1lb

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Weight:

120kg/19st 5lb

Weight:

92kg / 14st 7lb

Weight:

95kg/15st 1lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 13lb

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

TOMMY REFFELL

MATT SCOTT

HARRY SIMMONS

JACO TAUTE

Position: Flanker

Position: Centre

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Centre/Full-back

Born: 27/04/99

Born: 30/09/90

Born: 25/11/97

Born: 21/03/91

Height:

1.84m / 6ft 0in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3 in

Weight:

103kg / 16st 3lb

Weight:

101kg/15st 12lb

Weight:

90kg/14st 2lb

Weight:

108kg/17st 0lb

Honours: Scotland ACADEMY GRADUATE

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

South Africa

53

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

KOBUS VAN WYK

LUKE WALLACE

HARRY WELLS

BEN WHITE

Position: Wing

Position: Flanker

Position: Lock

Position: Scrum-half

Born: 22/01/92

Born: 02/10/90

Born: 29/09/93

Born: 27/05/98

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

Weight:

98kg/15st 6lb

Weight:

100kg/15st 11lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 5lb

Weight:

87kg/13st 11lb

ACADEMY GRADUATE

S P O N S O R E D BY:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

JASPER WIESE Position:

ACADEMY GRADUATE

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

GEORGE WORTH

BEN YOUNGS

Back row

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Centre/Full-back

Position: Scrum-half

Born: 21/10/95

Born: 09/06/83

Born: 08/10/96

Born: 05/09/89

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3ins

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.79m/5ft 10in

Weight:

116kg/18st 5lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 1lb

Weight:

95kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

88kg/13st 12lb

Honours: England

Honours: England/Lions ACADEMY GRADUATE

S P O N S O R E D BY:

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

54

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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

TOM YOUNGS Position: Hooker Born: 28/01/87 Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Weight:

104kg/16st 5lb

Honours: England/Lions ACADEMY GRADUATE 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 NEWCASTLE FALCONS

55

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 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

56

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

LEICESTER TIGERS

COMMUNITY TEAM SUPPORTING TIGERS’ COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

TIGERS RUGBY CAMPS RETURN WITH A WEEK OF SESSIONS AT EASTER

We are delighted to announce that, with the easing of national restrictions and a confirmed plan for the return to play in grassroots sports, Leicester Tigers are planning to host the club’s first Rugby Camp for more than a year during the Easter break.

In step with the latest guidelines from the government and RFU, Tigers have put together a series of two-hour coaching sessions over four days of the school holiday - Tuesday, April 6 to Friday, April 9 - to get mini and junior players back on the grass, physically active and re-introduced to the game in a safe and progressive manner.

Based at the outstanding rugby-specific facilities of Brooksby Melton College, home of the Tigers’ nationally recognised ACE and Development rugby programmes, the sessions will be run for boys and girls across the age groups from under-9s, as follows: Mornings ������� Under-9 to Under-12 boys and girls Afternoon ������������������������������������ Under-13-16 boys Afternoon �����Under-13, Under-15 & Under-18 girls Brooksby is situated on the Leicester to Melton Mowbray road (A607), just a five-minute drive from the A46 ring road on the outskirts of the city.

The facilities at the college provide a perfect environment for a team of experienced Tigers coaches to deliver four days of fun, challenging and progressive ‘Ready4Rugby’ coaching activities which will set up young players to go back to playing the game as more restrictions ease.

Safety and enjoyment will be our primary concerns, as always, and we will be taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure that Tigers can deliver a safe and positive re-introduction to rugby, while also minimising any risks associated with the ongoing pandemic and the Covid virus.

Places will be limited to a maximum of 20 players per age group and places can be booked for all four days or single days.

Players who attend for one, two or three days will also receive a Tigers Rugby Camp T-shirt, with four-day bookings also receiving a Tigers Rugby Ball as an additional bonus.

Tigers are also putting details in place for an extended programme for Rugby Camps during the summer and will look to confirm these soon. We are looking forward to meeting young players and their parents from all over the region as we create opportunities for all young Tigers to get back into the game and to benefit from quality coaching in a nurturing and positive environment.

Places on the Easter Tigers Rugby Camp are available to book on the club website now or phone the Tigers ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or email tickets@tigers.co.uk

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60

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

LEICESTER TIGERS

COMMUNITY TEAM SUPPORTING TIGERS’ COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

PROJECT RUGBY ACTS AS APPETISER TO A RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY GAME

Tigers players Joe Heyes, Jaco Taute, Jack Van Poortvliet and Johnny McPhillips have shared their experiences of rugby with young players as part of the club’s Project Rugby at Home initiative.

In partnership with Premiership Rugby and league title partner Gallagher, the Tigers hosted a series of Zoom calls during last week with young players at four local clubs. It gave the next generation of rugby talent an opportunity to engage with the game despite current restrictions and also increase their enthusiasm ahead of a return to training and playing shortly.

As restrictions begin to ease, Project Rugby will also look to continue its wider-reaching rugby programme, which aims to increase participation and opportunities for youngsters from under-represented backgrounds.

Players from Oadby Wyggestonian, South Leicester, Leicester Forest and Nottingham

Moderns clubs had the chance to put their questions to the Tigers quartet, with subjects including why they chose the path of professional rugby, how they moved from local club to the professional game and some training and nutrition tips, as well as favourite playing memories, best friends in the game and their plans for the future.

Jaco - who gave up his time to join the call on the morning of his birthday - described coming through the ranks in South Africa and his subsequent move to Europe, while Jack reflected on growing up in Norfolk before joining the Tigers Academy and breaking into the first team.

Johnny and Joe both talked about switching their focus to rugby after playing a lot of

football in their younger years, and Joe spoke to Moderns about his own route from that club into the Tigers Academy and beyond.

Whatever their route to professional rugby, all four said the most important part of the game was enjoying it, playing alongside your mates and focusing on the basic skills to grow and develop as a player and a person.

Tigers rugby development officers Steve Hanna and Laurence Walters, from the club’s community team, led the question-and-answer sessions as the young club players are now able to start thinking about getting back on the field.

For more info on the pathway, visit www.englandrugby.com

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY IN YOUR POCKET LIVE SCORES – EVERY COMPETITION, EVERY WEEK.

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62

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

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 Junior Tigers Club welcome to Osbert Weston, who is our virtual matchday mascot today.

Although you can’t be here for the match, we’re sure you’ll be giving your support to the team and we hope you enjoy following all of the action.

If you want to be in with the chance of being our next virtual mascot, buy a Junior Tigers Club membership for £35 and you will be entered into the draw for each home fixture. Membership benefits also include free bobble hat and goodie bag!

5 to Tackle 1. Which Tigers player made his England debut last weekend?

2. What colours do Newcastle Falcons wear at home?

3. Which country does Tigers wing Nemani Nadolo represent?

4. Which team is top of the Gallagher Premiership?

5. Which team did Tigers play against last weekend?

C A

Did you know?

Ellis Genge made his 50th appearance for Tigers in the fixture against today’s opponents Newcastle Falcons at the end of the 2017-18 season.

B

Multiple choice Can you identify the location of the actual ball in this picture and which ones we have added?

Answers: 5 to tackle: 1 George Martin, 2 Black and white, 3 Fiji, 4 Bristol Bears, 5 Exeter Chiefs; Multiple Choice: B.

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

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LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

65

Matt Hampson

FOUNDATION Update from one of the club’s official charities...

With lockdown restrictions set to ease, everyone at the Matt Hampson Foundation is busy planning our fabulous Summer Ball which is scheduled to take place on August Bank Holiday weekend.

Come and spend an evening with Hambo and friends in the beautiful surroundings of Marston Trussell Hall in Leicestershire on Saturday, August 28.

The night includes a sumptuous three-course dinner, entertainment throughout the evening and a band to rock you into the small hours!

For more details, please email info@hambo.co.uk The Foundation has enjoyed seeing two of our beneficiaries up on their feet at the Get Busy Living Centre this week.

Sophie broke her neck two years ago and has worked really hard to increase her strength and independence during the past year.

Andy also suffered a spinal cord injury and has been making fantastic progress in his physio sessions.

Both of these determined beneficiaries have been honing their walking skills with our physio team in the gym.

To see Sophie and Andy in action, head to our instagram page @hambofoundation

66

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Tigers History

MAR

ON THIS DAY 1903

1959

Undisputed kings of the Midland Counties Cup, Tigers reached a sixth successive final with a 49-11 win over Nuneaton. Alf Hind, who scored six tries in the previous round against Belgrave, scored five against Nuns, with Jack Miles claiming four.

Tigers kicked off their tour with defeat at Bristol.

Trevor Allen, whose brother John would become such a stalwart as player and official, scored one of the tries in only his third senior appearance, and he added another in the win at Plymouth 48 hours later.

1908

A crowd of 8,000 watched an 11-3 derby defeat at Northampton.

1910

In a packed calendar, Tigers followed up a Midlands Cup semi-final win at Burton on March 26 with a draw at Cardiff and defeat at Bristol on successive days, before beating Coventry in the Cup Final the following Saturday.

Six players were involved in all four games in the seven-day period, including captain Jamie Watson.

1921

On tour in the West Country, Tigers suffered a 15-5 defeat at Plymouth Albion. They bounced back a day later with a 20-14 victory over Bath.

1932

The West Country tour featured three games in four days, with Tigers winning 18-8 at Plymouth Albion on the 28th thanks to tries by George Beamish, Christopher BeatyPownall and Francis Hodder.

1963

The Barbarians game, held over from Christmas when two months of the season were lost to a harsh winter, was finally played three months late and brought a 16-9 win for Tigers with scores from David Bird, Mike Dymond, David Matthews and Mike Wade.

1967

Tigers ended their annual tour with a 12-8 win at Exeter, with David Berry scoring twice.

1970

In the club’s first Easter at home since 1895, Tigers beat Liverpool, Fylde and Manchester over the holiday period but were disappointed by attendances.

1973

Bob Barker scored his 23rd try of the season in a 34-10 midweek win at Headingley.

1981

Tighthead prop Wayne Richardson made his debut at Sale as deputy for long-serving

28 Steve Redfern. Dave Gavins, son of former full-back Mick, made his only appearance for the club from the bench.

1987

Three-time winners at the start of the decade, Tigers were beaten at Wasps in the semi-final of the John Player Special Cup, losing in the last four for a second successive season.

1992

Tigers stayed in fifth place in the league table after defeat at Harlequins, despite tries from Steve Wills and Simon Povoas.

1998

Will Greenwood scored three of the six tries in a 42-19 Premiership victory over Richmond.

2015

Freddie Burns kicked 20 points in a 25-18 win over Exeter Chiefs as Tigers moved into the top four in the Premiership table for the first time since September. Geoff Parling scored the only try against the team he would join at the end of that season.

G E T YO U R D TOGET H ER A U Q S P RO U D S PON SOR O F

THE SPIRIT OF RUGBY Click here for the latest #Spiritof Rugby updates 00659696_MAX Grouse Rugby Squad Ad Harlequins 210x148mm.indd 1

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69

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

“Two great clubs” were the words Steve Borthwick used in describing victory at Kingsholm two weeks ago, which finally put Tigers ahead in the win count against ancient rivals.

Tigers celebrated four hardearned points in a 20-14 triumph which ended a long run without an away win and an even longer run chasing down Gloucester.

It was a significant moment as the end of the 227th meeting of the clubs dating back to 1891 was also the first time Tigers had ever been ahead in the head-to-head scores, 110-109.

As Tigers historian Stuart Farmer noted, Tigers were 21 wins behind the Cherry and Whites in December 1992 before starting to close the gap.

This latest victory at Kingsholm secured a home-and-away double for the season and Tigers have now won four of the last five meetings of the teams.

It was the 30th win in 111 trips to Kingsholm, where Gloucester have won 77 encounters, with four draws.

Befitting Borthwick’s description, the two clubs have produced a series of memorable matches, including some recent meetings recalled in the Tig Blog on the club website: 2006-07: Honours even A share of the points in a pulsating 27-27 draw after Tigers had looked in control.

2006-07: Biggest stage Inspired by powerhouse performances from Seru Rabeni and Alesana Tuilagi, Tigers became Premiership champions for the first time in five years with victory at Twickenham.

2007-08: Drop in Tigers became the first team to ever win a Premiership semifinal away from home with a last-gasp drop-goal from Andy Goode defeating the top seeds at Kingsholm.

2008-09: Quick start Tigers kicked off a new season with victory at Kingsholm, with Toby Flood grabbing a late interception try on his debut.

2008-09: Long reach Geordan Murphy’s drop goal from inside his own half was among the highlights in a 24-10 home win.

2010-11: Points shared An incredible 41-41 draw was memorable mainly for an Alesana Tuilagi hat-trick and an interception try from Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu in the last minute for the visitors. Freddie Burns, then of Gloucester, still had to land the conversion for a share of the points.

A 30th win at Kingsholm put Tigers ahead in meetings with Gloucester

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

2015-16: Narrow margin Tommy Bell’s conversion of a Logovi’i Mulipola try just 90 seconds from the end put Tigers in front for the first time at Kingsholm.

2016-17: Super Sam Try Against, Try For, Try Against, Try Against, Try Against, Try For, Try For, Try For, Try For as Sam Harrison became hero of the hour, scoring two tries and adding the conversions in an opening-day win at Kingsholm.

JH_Tigers Programme_Ad_Layout 1 17/08/2015 14:27 Page

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73

LEICESTER TIGERS v NEWCASTLE FALCONS

FanZone

In good hands…

LEICESTER TIGERs

There are times in life when it is good to know who your friends are - as Calum Green finds out here with several Tigers teammates showing their support as he makes a catch in the last home game, against London Irish, in an image captured by the photographer from Getty Images.

VERSUS

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

G A L L AG H E R P R E M I E R S H I P S U N DAY, M A R C H 2 8, 2 0 2 1 K I C K- O F F 3.0 0 P M

PROGRAMME CREDITS Cover star: Freddie Steward 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

BIRTHDAY WISHES

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

• Tim Allen • Mark Baxter • Lydia Bucktin • Kieron Carvell • Michael Clarke • Charlie Coope • Timothy Edwards • Graham Fieldsend • Jacob Frost

• Andy Gibbon • Joy Gosling • Patrick Griffiths • Max Harrod • Shirley Howe • Rhys Vaughan Jarvis • Denise Kirwan • David Laing • Clare Mant

• Neil Mattson • Alison Morgan • Jack Morris • Rachel Neale • Laura Palmer • Evelyn Phillips • James Rhodes • Claudia Riordan • Chris Souter

• William Taylor • Carl Varnham • Gavin Wallis • James Watson • Henry Witcomb • George Worth

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