Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors Digital Matchday Programme (06-01-2021)

LEICESTER TIGERs

VERSUS

WORCESTER WARRIORS

G A L L AG H E R P R E M I E R S H I P SAT U R DAY, F E B R UA R Y 6, 2 0 2 1 K I C K- O F F 3.0 0 P M

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

THE TEAMS

LEICESTER TIGERS

WORCESTER WARRIORS

S TA R T I N G X V -

FREDDIE STEWARD

T P C D

15

T P C D

CHRIS PENNELL

-

KOBUS VAN WYK

T P C D

14

T P C D

PERRY HUMPHREYS

-

MATIÁS MORONI

T P C D

13

T P C D

OLI MORRIS

-

MATT SCOTT

T P C D

12

T P C D

ASHLEY BECK

WAL

NEMANI NADOLO

T P C D

11

T P C D

CHRIS ASHTON

ENG

ZACK HENRY

T P C D

10

T P C D

DUNCAN WEIR

SCO

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH (C)

T P C D

9

T P C D

FRANCOIS HOUGAARD

SAF

LUAN DE BRUIN

T P C D

1

T P C D

ETHAN WALLER

-

JULIÁN MONTOYA

T P C D

2

T P C D

NIALL ANNETT

-

DAN COLE

T P C D

3

T P C D

NICK SCHONERT

-

TOMÁS LAVANINI

T P C D

4

T P C D

JUSTIN CLEGG

-

-

CALUM GREEN

T P C D

5

T P C D

GRAHAM KITCHENER

-

HANRO LIEBENBERG

T P C D

6

T P C D

TED HILL (C)

ENG ENG

FIJI ENG ARG ENG / LIONS ARG

ENG -

-

-

CYLE BRINK

T P C D

7

T P C D

MATT KVESIC

-

JASPER WIESE

T P C D

8

T P C D

MARCO MAMA

-

ENG / LIONS

TOM YOUNGS

T P C D

NEPHI LEATIGAGA JOE HEYES

-

HARRY WELLS

-

GEORGE MARTIN

-

JACK VAN POORTVLIET

-

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

FIJI

KINI MURIMURIVALU

R E P L AC E M E N T S

SAM -

16

T P C D

BECK CUTTING

-

T P C D

17

T P C D

MARC THOMAS

-

T P C D

18

T P C D

RICHARD PALFRAMAN

-

T P C D

19

T P C D

ANTON BRESLER

T P C D

20

T P C D

SAM LEWIS

-

T P C D

21

T P C D

GARETH SIMPSON

-

T P C D

22

T P C D

MELANI NANAI

-

T P C D

23

T P C D

FRANCOIS VENTER

M AT C H O F F I C I A L S Referee: Mr Andrew Jackson Assistants: Mr Greg Macdonald & Mr Wayne Falla TMO: Mr Trevor Fisher Citing Officer: Mr Paul Hull 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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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

CONTENTS 3 TEAMS 7 WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN 9 FROM THE TOUCHLINE 12 CLUB NEWS 16 LANDMARK FOR TOM YOUNGS 23 MEET THE OPPOSITION 27 CLUB NEWS 28 MATCH PREVIEWS 32 FULL FIXTURE LIST 34 SQUAD STATS 37 TIGERS MATCHFILE 42 FROM THE BOARDROOM 46 TIGERS PLAYING SQUAD 54 COMMUNITY TEAM 58 AROUND THE WORLD CHALLENGE 60 JUNIOR TIGERS CLUB 63 MATT HAMPSON FOUNDATION 64 ON THIS DAY 67 STATS PACK 71 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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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

07

Peter Tom CBE

CHAIRMAN Welcome back to a Leicester Tigers matchday and welcome to the officials and players of today’s visitors Worcester Warriors.

The Warriors were last here at the end of February 2020. We didn’t know it at the time but, as the team registered a 14-8 win, it was also the last game in which supporters were in attendance.

No one could have predicted just what the rest of the year had in store and no one would have thought the doors to Mattioli Woods Welford Road would still be closed today, almost 12 months on.

The strength of support and the atmosphere created by the Tigers crowd is known throughout rugby and it is incredible to think there is a significant number of players in the squad - as well as Steve Borthwick and Aled Walters - who are still to see the stadium full.

On a couple of occasions during these 12 months, we thought we were getting close to being able to welcome at least a reduced number of supporters, but each time that opportunity was removed, despite having all of the plans in place for whatever level of support we could allow.

It seems we will all have to remain patient for a while longer before the gates can open again, though the speed of the vaccination programme does give some hope that the day will come sooner rather than later.

As well as missing the atmosphere inside the stadium, keeping the turnstiles closed for such a lengthy period of time does, of course, have major financial implications.

There is a significant hole where matchday revenues would have been in any other year, with no sales of tickets, hospitality and group bookings, no bar and food takings and no footfall in the club shop.

That has an effect on what we do as a business because there are significant costs to meet regardless of whether there is any income and it has not been easy. The impact is also likely to

last well beyond the date when supporters are allowed to return.

But the board, the management and the staff have worked extremely hard to allow the business to continue and I have also been hugely impressed by the loyalty of supporters over the course of these 12 months, as everyone has also had to deal with their own situation in the face of current circumstances.

The crowd enjoyed our last meeting

There is still work to do, but I am confident that we have got ourselves into a position where we can still plan and prepare with confidence for the future without the current constraints and also give everything we can to back Steve and the team on the field.

I would like to welcome Julián Montoya to the club on behalf of the #TigersFamily and hope he has a long and successful stay here.

As always, thank you for playing your part in the club’s present and its future with your continued support.

SHARE YOUR PICTURES OF YOU SUPPORTING THE

#TIGERSATHOME

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

Head coach Steve Borthwick

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

“We continue to reshape this squad, we know where we need to improve and we need to work very hard to build those relationships and understand each other as quickly as we can.

There was disappointment against Sale last Friday. We thought we’d put ourselves into a position in the first half but didn’t take our opportunities and we gave them some points.

But I think this team takes its lessons and moves on very quickly. We need to learn from that and not repeat those errors.

Worcester are a good, tough team. Plenty of their players have been there a long time. They understand each other pretty well. We are going to have to play very well this week.”

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

CLUB NEWS

DYNAMITE PROJECT

SIX NATIONS CALLS Good luck to the Tigers players who kick off the Six Nations Championship this weekend.

Ellis Genge and Ben Youngs both start for England against Scotland this afternoon (4.45pm), while George Ford is included among the replacements.

Today marks the 150-year anniversary of this fixture, with the first-ever international rugby match played between the two nations at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh in 1871.

Genge starts at loosehead prop in the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, with Youngs earning his 105th cap at scrum-half.

Head coach Eddie Jones said: “We’re really looking forward to getting the Guinness Six Nations back underway. It’s even more special to be taking part in a 150th anniversary game, it will be a good occasion.

“We’ve had a really good week of training, it’s been very competitive but I’ve gone with what I feel is the strongest 23 for this week.

“The Six Nations is a short tournament, it’s a real sprint, so we’ll need to be on the front foot straight away. We know Scotland will be raring to go - but so will we.”

England versus Scotland is live on ITV1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.

The Tigers Foundation Dynamite project will restart on February 22, welcoming back students to the stadium for the first time this year.

The programme offers Key Stage 4 students who are, or have been, in mainstream education a chance to gain sports-based qualifications with Tigers. We offer a unique service based in the heart of the stadium, in our Tigers Education Centre. We are also a fully accredited centre and follow all local authority requirements, as set out by an annual LEBC audit, including following all Covid-related guides.

Aimed at re-engaging students who may have struggled in mainstream education or have free time within their school timetable, the programme acts as a route for pupils to experience an alternative education process wrapped inside the world of professional sport.

Each day is split into practical and theory sessions, ensuring that physical activity is to the fore of every session. Multi-sports sessions are embedded into the theory sessions which revolve heavily around sports and leisure.

All qualifications are accredited with our staff fully qualified to deliver a fun and engaging timetable.

• •

BTEC Sport and Active Leisure 1 (Award – Diploma) Further Qualifications available on a bespoke basis

Once accepted, we will set up a meet-and-greet session with the student and the school to visit the stadium and meet the Dynamite team. From here a timetable is built around specific needs.

Schools should contact our team directly to discuss any referrals. Email the Foundation manager sam.swift@tigers.co.uk or call 07590 890876.

Sessions run 9.30am-2.30pm Monday-Friday within Leicestershire term times and cost £65 per day.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

T IGE R S TA L K

Tom Youngs

“THE EMBODIMENT OF EVERYTHING GOOD FOR THE TIGERS” A move from centre to hooker, loan spells at Bedford and Nottingham to 200 games with Tigers, club captaincy, personal accolades and caps with England and the Lions... it has been quite a journey on the pitch for Tom Youngs on the way to his 200th first-team appearance last weekend...

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

T IGE R S TA L K

Tom Youngs found himself in an uncomfortable position last week and, on this occasion, it had nothing to do with packing down in the middle of around a tonne-and-a-half of rugby beef as the Leicester Tigers hooker.

As a man of action and a leader by example, unfortunately for Tom, everyone instead wanted him to talk about himself as Tigers ran out for the Round 7 fixture at home to Sale Sharks.

Friday evening marked his 200th first-team appearance for

Tigers, a journey which began in the academy and which has had numerous twists and turns since he followed his dad Nick as a Leicester first-teamer.

Tom made his senior debut in December 2006, just a couple of months before brother Ben. That’s a full 14 years ago.

But since switching from centre in the backline to the middle of the front row, he has been an almost ever-present in Tigers ranks.

“He is a tremendous leader and character at this club,” said

head coach Steve Borthwick shortly after the final whistle rang out in an empty Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Friday.

“To play 200 games for your club is a fantastic achievement, he deserves all of the accolades and plaudits that come his way.

“He is the embodiment of everything that is good for Leicester Tigers and will continue to do that for as long as he continues to play for the club.”

The media did well to keep the focus off his appearance landmark in the build-up to

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

19

T IGE R S TA L K

kick-off against the Sharks, knowing that was exactly the way Tom would have wanted it. But afterwards, everyone wanted to know how he felt about his double-century.

“To be fair, it always means a lot to me to play for the club,” he said. “To get 200 is fantastic but it is not about me, it is about the club. I have always put the club first. I like to try to put across how much the club means to me, it is an absolute honour and privilege to play one, two or however many games.

“There have been some tough times, but I like to think I have thrown everything into every opportunity I have had to wear the shirt. It is all part of the journey.”

Going back to that debut in 2006, Youngs was alongside Matt Cornwell at centre. Gavin Hickie and James Buckland were the two hookers on duty that day, and he could never have dreamt that he would eventually follow them into a place in the famous ABC Club.

“I started here in the academy with Matt Smith in the centres

and I get to 200 with Dan Cole in the front row,” he said, reflecting on the pathway from academy ranks to first-team.

“It has been great to do that and I’ve loved it. There have been some ups and downs along the way and now Steve is pushing us forward, it’s fantastic.

“I love coming here to play and it is strange with no crowd here, but it’s still somewhere I hold so dear and from being a little boy I always wished I could run down those steps. To do it so many times is very special.”

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

T O D AY ’ S O P P O S I T I O N

WORCESTER WARRIORS  FORMED IN 1871  FIRST LEAGUE LEVEL 8 — PROMOTIONS 8 M O V E D T O S I X WAY S 1 9 7 5

67

NEW HEAD COACH JONATHAN THOMAS’ NUMBER OF WELSH CAPS

47

NEW COACH MARK JONES’ NUMBER OF WELSH CAPS

2 6 P L AY E R S I N WA R R I O R S H A L L O F FA ME W I T H 100 A PPE A R A NCE S

88 92 23 21 PREMIERSHIP TRIES CHRIS ASHTON

CURRENT RECORD TOM VARNDELL

2020-21 TOP POINTS SCORERS BILLY SEARLE

2020-21 TOP POINTS SCORERS DUNCAN WEIR

288 MOST APPEARANCES CRAIG GILLIES

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

SQUAD 2020-21 – BACKS – Pos / Honours / Age / Last Club CHRIS ASHTON W

England

JAMIE SHILLCOCK 33

Harlequins

LUKE BALDWIN SH

-

22

Academy

Samoa

Academy

SH

-

23

Wellington

FB

-

29

Jersey Reds

29

Free State Cheetahs

29

Edinburgh

FRANCOIS VENTER 22

Academy

ED FIDOW W

23

SCOTT VAN BREDA

NICK DAVID FB

-

GARETH SIMPSON 30 Bristol

WILL BUTLER C

FH

C

South Africa

DUNCAN WEIR 27

Provence

FH

Scotland

MICHAEL HEANEY SH

-

30 Doncaster

FRANCOIS HOUGGARD SH

South Africa

ONE TO WATCH ASHLEY BECK

32

Blue Bulls

25

Wasps

26

Leicester Tigers

28

Northland

21

Academy

21

Academy

27

Blues

33

Academy

24

Wasps

C

Wales

30 Ospreys

TOM HOWE W

-

PERRY HUMPHREYS W

-

JONO KITTO SH

-

OLLIE LAWRENCE C

England

OLI MORRIS C

-

MELANI NANAI VAI W

-

CHRIS PENNELL FB

England

BILLY SEARLE FH

-

A graduate of the Ospreys academy, he scored 30 tries in 137 appearances at senior level and gained seven caps for Wales before joining Warriors in the summer of 2018. Recovered from a broken leg during 2018-19 to return to first-team action.

25

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

NIALL ANNETT H

-

29

Ulster

24

Bristol

34

Ulster

32

Edinburgh

29

Connacht

24

Academy

32

Gloucester

22

Academy

JOE BATLEY L

-

NICK SCHONERT P

-

29

Now in his seventh season at Sixways, the tighthead prop reached 100 club appearances at the end of the 201819 season and has been included in England training squads, as well as playing for an England XV versus the Barbarians. He was previously with KwaZulu-Natal, Sharks, Griquas and Cheetahs as well as playing for South Africa Under-20s.

CALLUM BLACK P

USA

ANTON BRESLER L

-

CONOR CAREY P

-

JUSTIN CLEGG L

-

MATT COX BR

-

BECK CUTTING H

-

CORNELL DU PREEZ BR

Scotland

CALEB MONTGOMERY 29

Edinburgh

TED HILL BR

England -

21

Academy

24

Academy

-

31

Leicester Tigers

England

28

Exeter

-

29

Bristol

-

22

Academy

H

-

29

Blues

P

-

27

London Scottish

L

-

21

Academy

P

-

29

Harlequins

BR

-

32

Northampton

28

Northampton

29

Northampton

ETHAN WALLER 28

Clermont

ISAAC MILLER H

-

GJ VAN VELZE

GEORGE MERRICK L

P

MARC THOMAS 30 Ospreys

MARCO MAMA BR

Ulster

JAMIE SCOTT

SAM LEWIS BR

25

RICHARD PALFRAMAN

MATT KVESIC BR

-

MATT MOULDS

GRAHAM KITCHENER L

BR

JOE MORRIS

ANDREW KITCHENER L

Free State Cheetahs

P

-

MATTI WILLIAMS 26

London Scottish

H

-

FREE

DELIVERY

ALL WEEKEND February 5 - 7

leicestertigers.com/clubshop

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

27

CLUB NEWS

SEASON TICKET CREDITS

SHARE YOUR #TIGERSATHOME Supporters may not be able to attend games in stadiums at the moment, but we still want to create the matchday buzz with your #TigersAtHome snaps.

If you are a Tigers fan following the action in the UK or further afield, you can share your matchday snaps in your Tigers kit with the club’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Everyone who shares their #TigersAtHome photos or videos will be entered into a prize draw ahead of each home fixture to win a Matchday Pack worth £100. #TigersAtHome will run for every game we have to play without supporters in the stadium so there’s plenty of opportunity for your photos to make it on to the @LeicesterTigers pages.

Follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @LeicesterTigers

FIXTURE UPDATES

GOOD LUCK WILL Thank-you from everyone at Oval Park to physio Will Gowtage who is on matchday duty with the team for the final time today before moving into private practice.

Good luck for the future.

Premiership Rugby have confirmed kick-off details for fixtures up to Round 15 at the end of March.

The home game against London Irish is now a 7.45pm kick-off on Friday, March 5 and the fixture against Newcastle Falcons in Round 15 will be a 3.00pm kick-off at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday, March 28.

See page 32-33 for the full list and check out the club’s eCal service to have fixtures updated in your own calendar.

During the suspension period in 2019-20, season ticket holders had the option of adding the value of their place as Credit on to their Tigers Tickets account.

To check how much Credit you have on your account, please follow the below steps: • •

•

Visit www.leicestertigers. com/myaccount Enter your Tigers Reference Number (TRN) and Password.

Your TRN can be found on your season ticket card.

View your profile and Credit within ‘Client Balance’.

Your Credit can be used on purchases from the Club Shop. Follow these steps: • • • • •

•

Visit the Leicester Tigers Club Shop online and select items you would like to purchase.

Call the Tigers Ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2).

Have your Tigers Reference Number (TRN) to hand.

The Ticket Office will be able to process your order using the Credit on your account.

When the Club Shop at the stadium re-opens to visitors, you can also spend your Credit at the checkout.

You can also retain your Credit to use on Season Ticket, Membership or Match Ticket purchases in future. If purchasing tickets for an event, match or a club membership, your credit balance will show at the checkout and will be available to spend.

28

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

THE BIG MATCH

Tigers welcome the Warriors in more Gallagher Premiership action...

FROM BOTH SIDES Both Tigers and visitors Worcester Warriors experienced home defeat last weekend, with Sale Sharks winning at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and defending champions Exeter Chiefs triumphing (21-17) at Sixways.

Tigers’ only other home defeat in the Gallagher Premiership campaign was against Exeter in Round 3.

A 14-8 victory over Worcester last February ended a three-game losing run for Tigers against the Warriors in Premiership Rugby, and the visitors have won on three of their last four visits in all competitions.

Overall, the two clubs have met on just 35 previous occasions with Leicester winning 27 to eight by Worcester. This is a 19th visit to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, where the Warriors have won on three previous occasions.

Worcester’s only victory so far this season, excluding the declared win over Harlequins, was at home to London Irish in Round 1 and they have won only once away from home in any competition since November 2019.

Referee Andrew Jackson takes charge for the 25th time in Premiership action today.

After coming through the Tigers academy, prop Ryan Bower made his debut in 2010 and played another six times before firmly establishing himself in senior rugby during more than 100 games for the Warriors from 2014-15. Originally a tighthead before moving across to loosehead, he played junior rugby at Hinckley RFC and John Cleveland College, and represented England at three age-groups. He returned to Tigers and made his second debut in the Premiership game against Bath last August.

LAST FIVE PREMIERSHIP MEETINGS 2019-20

2019-20

2018-19

2018-19

2017-18

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

ELSEWHERE IN ROUND 8 Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks Bristol have won their last six league games since defeat on the opening weekend at Wasps. Their only home defeat in Premiership Rugby since December 2019 was to Exeter in August 2020.

Sale Sharks have won their last three league fixtures since New Year and have lost only once away from home in the Gallagher Premiership since August.

The last three meetings have been evenly split with one win apiece and one draw. Sale have visited Ashton Gate on four previous occasions, with their only victory being 31-13 in October 2016.

Wasps v Northampton Saints A run of five wins in all competitions came to an abrupt halt with home defeat for Wasps against Harlequins last Sunday. Wasps have lost two of their last three home games in the competition.

Saints have won their last two league matches, at home to Worcester and away to Gloucester, but have not won three in succession in GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP TABLE

the competition since November 2019. They are also chasing a third successive bonus-point win for the first time since 2017.

Recreation Ground was against Gloucester in Round 21 last season.

The last four fixtures between the clubs have been shared with two wins apiece. Northampton gained a first-ever Premiership victory at Ricoh Arena on their last visit a year ago.

London Irish v Gloucester Rugby Irish’s 31-22 victory over Newcastle last Sunday was their first Gallagher Premiership win since beating Leicester Tigers on November 29, while Gloucester’s only league victory this season was at home to Wasps in Round 2.

Gloucester have won just once away from home in any competition since October 2019 - at Worcester last August - but have lost only two of their last 10 Premiership meetings with Irish.

Harlequins’ 49-17 defeat of Wasps last Sunday was their first victory in any tournament since early December, but they have won their last six away games in the Gallagher Premiership.

Bath achieved a Premiership double over Quins last season and have never won three in succession against the Londoners in Premiership Rugby.

Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs Newcastle have lost two of their last three fixtures, after beginning the campaign with four straight victories.

But their last defeat at Kingston Park was to Bristol in Round 22 last season.

Exeter lost two in a row before their 21-17 victory at Worcester last Saturday. Their only loss in their last four Premiership away games was at Wasps in Round 5.

The Chiefs have lost just twice in 17 previous Premiership games against the Falcons, both at Kingston Park, in October 2014 and January 2018.

Bath Rugby v Harlequins Bath’s most recent victory in any competition was at Worcester in Round 3 and their last win at the Pld

W

D

L

T

F

A

1

Bristol Bears

7

6

0

1

25

192

99

Pts 29

2

Exeter Chiefs

7

5

0

2

25

169

110

24

3

Sale Sharks

7

5

0

2

15

156

124

23

4

Newcastle Falcons

7

5

0

2

17

122

112

20 19

5

Wasps

7

4

0

3

25

193

208

6

Harlequins

7

3

1

3

20

181

157

19

7

Northampton Saints

7

3

0

4

16

129

135

18

8

London Irish

7

2

1

4

11

103

90

17

9

Leicester Tigers

7

3

0

4

10

111

128

15

10

Bath Rugby

7

2

0

5

14

126

212

12

11

Worcester Warriors

7

2

0

5

9

81

143

10

12

Gloucester Rugby

7

1

0

6

17

154

199

7

Proud to support Leicester Tigers

360°

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 WORCESTER WARRIORS

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)

-

14-6

● 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)

-

8-10

● 15-25

2

1

1

-

3

2

2

-

9

TOTAL

17 12 23 0 17 13 18 0

FEBRUARY 2021 Sat 6

GPR

H

Worcester Warriors

Sat 13

GPR

A

Harlequins (4.00pm)

Sat 20

GPR

H

Wasps

Sat 27

GPR

A

Bristol Bears

MARCH 2021 Fri 5

GPR

H

London Irish (7:45pm)

Sat 13

GPR

A

Gloucester Rugby

Sat 20

GPR

A

Exeter Chiefs

Sun 28

GPR

H

Newcastle Falcons

APRIL 2021 W/O 2

ECC

W/O 9

ECC

Round of 16

W/O 16

GPR

A

Bath Rugby

W/O 23

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

21

1 5

13

3

Started match 5

2

Used as a replacement

0 5

5

5

Bench (not used)

13

5

5 5

5 5

5

5

Points scored in a match

3 5 5

8 5 5

PENALTY TRY

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

T.YOUNGS

B.YOUNGS

WORTH

WILLIAMS

WIGGLESWORTH

WHITE

WEISE

WELLS

WALLACE

VAN WYK

VAN POORTVLIET

TAUTE

TAUFUA

STEWARD

SMITH

SIMMONS

SCOTT

REFFELL

POTTER

PORTER

OLOWOFELA

NADOLO

MURIMURIVALU

MORONI

MONTOYA

MARTIN

MAMUKASHVILI

McPHILLIPS

MONTOYA

LIEBENBERG

LEWIS

LEATIGAGA

LAVANINI

KERR

KELLY

HEYES

HENRY

HENDERSON

HARDWICK

GREEN

GIGENA

GENGE

FORD

33

34

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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 Tom HARDWICK Cameron HENDERSON Zack HENRY Joe HEYES Dan KELLY Jake KERR Tomás LAVANINI Henri LAVIN Jonny LAW Nephi LEATIGAGA Sam LEWIS Hanro LIEBENBERG Shalva MAMUKASHVILI Johnny McPHILLIPS

APPS 1+2 2+4 1 1+5 5+1 1+1 1+3 0+1 1+1 1+1 1 5+1 1+1 5 2+5 1+1 0+1 2+1 3+3 6 0+1

STATS 2020-21 TRIES 1 1 1 1 -

PTS 5 20 31 5 5 42 5 2

APPS 8+6 4+9 2+4 4 5+14 7+4 191+57 1+1 1+3 4+2 82+16 59+20 16+29 37+10 3+4 10+3 21+32 3+2 15+30 19+3 0+1 0+2 7+28 10+11 19+2 0+1 2+7

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

PTS 10 5 15 20 931 35 5 5 15 73 5 10 5 10 5 22

35

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

NAME George MARTIN Juliรกn 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 1+1 0+1 2 2+1 3 3+2 2 3+2 5 2 6 2+2 5 0+3 4 0+2 6+1 0+1 2+3 6 4 1+1 6

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

PTS 5 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 10

APPS 3+2 0+1 2 5+1 8 30+11 7+3 7+1 20+13 11 10+14 5+5 14+4 11+7 15+2 3+5 5 5+5 56+50 0+1 27+40 6 4 3+1 41+21 203+51 160+40

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 1 4 6 2 5 1 2 3 3 1 1 4 6 1 1 3 38 20

PTS 5 20 30 10 25 5 10 18 15 5 5 20 30 5 5 25 210 100

O P E N D AY S d m u . a c . u k /o p e n d a y s

S AT 13 FE B

S AT 13 MAR

37

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

– LAST TIME OUT – LEICESTER TIGERS 15-25 SALE SHARKS Friday January 29, 2021 / Gallagher Premiership Round 7 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Ian Tempest LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Kobus van Wyk 13 Matiás Moroni 12 Matt Scott 11 Nemani Nadolo 10 Zack Henry 9 Richard Wigglesworth

T P

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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

Tigers were outscored three tries to two in a home defeat by Sale Sharks, despite getting off to a strong start.

Possession among the forwards provided the opening for Tommy Reffell - not Tom Youngs as first reported - to score from a close-range lineout after a Zack Henry penalty had given the hosts an early lead.

But Tigers were made to pay for failing to convert further territory into points. Sharks turned the tide to lead at halftime thanks to an interception try from Sam James, picking off a pass near his own 22 to run clear and celebrate his 150th club appearance with a vital score.

A penalty from AJ MacGinty put the visitors 10-8 ahead at half-time and they quickly built on that with tries by Cobus Wiese - as Tigers lost Harry Wells to a yellow card - and then Marland Yarde with a confident finish on the left when the home side were again a man short with Nephi Leatigaga in the sin bin.

Tigers clawed one try back from Nemani Nadolo, scoring on the left after the forwards had established possession in the Sharks 22, and there was one final chance as the Fiji wing

T

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Julián Montoya Nephi Leatigaga Joe Heyes Tomás Lavanini George Martin Cyle Brink Jack van Poortvliet Johnny McPhillips

linked with Matt Scott out wide before Sharks got back to force the ball loose.

NOTEBOOK… A 200th first-team appearance for Tom Youngs… Debut for Julián Montoya… Brothers Jasper and Cobus Wiese played in opposition for the first time…

First start for Luan be Bruin,

C

SALE: L James, McGuigan, S James, Hill, Yarde, MacGinty, de Klerk; Rodd, Langdon, John, C Wiese, JP du Preez, Ross (c), Dugdale, Beaumont.

Reps: Ashman, Harrison, Oosthuizen, Phillips, Neild, Cliff, R Du Preez, Roebuck

Premiership debut for Matiás Moroni… The 99th meeting of the clubs… Three players away with England.

QUOTE...

“We made a good start but the interception try was a huge momentum shift in the game for them.”

Luan de Bruin

LEICESTER

SEASON 2020/21

REPLICA HOME KIT leicestertigers.com/clubshop

42

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

Andrea Pinchen

FROM THE BOARDROOM Chief executive Andrea Pinchen on the twists and turns of a Premiership club during a global pandemic, part 2.

The rollercoaster of having no games for three weeks, followed by the loss against Sale is, I’m sure, as frustrating for you as it is for us.

Showing what we are capable of in the first half and letting the game get away from us in the second isn’t something we want to repeat but, when building towards being able to consistently compete and win, we’re going to take some knocks.

The key now is how we pick ourselves up and push on, learn and adapt, check and keep checking that the coaching messages are clear - and that’s been the focus of the past week in training.

We’ve had no positive Covid-19 results over the last four rounds of testing, which is good news and deserves a huge thanks to the medical team and all at the training ground for ensuring measures are strictly adhered to, with the mantra that none of us want to be responsible for forfeiting a game.

There was a lot of press in the past couple of weeks around Jordan Taufua and Tomás Lavanini moving on to other clubs and we thank them and wish them well (until we play against them!) at their new/ future clubs.

I understand there can be frustration around the club not announcing these

things first but, although the Communications team have announcements ready to go, sometimes the timing doesn’t work as we don’t want to leave the club exposed. As an example, Jordan’s move was subject to a two-part medical

of support for all things offfield that we are putting in around Steve.

It has been a vital part of the process that everyone is crystal clear on their roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, and these

Back in action against Sale last week

and we received confirmation that he had passed that, and only then could sign the contract, one hour before our official announcement went out.

We have identified our choice for the role of a Rugby General Manager and we’re just working through those contract details.

As soon as they are completed, we will let you know the structure

have been agreed. There will be no confusion within the club or for our supporters as to who does what.

As always, thank you for your passion for the Tigers. We’ll ‘see’ you on matchday, if you send some pictures from home watching the game - and if you’re anything like me, no doubt screaming at the TV!

44

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

CLUB PARTNERS

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

MAIN PARTNER

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

45

46

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

47

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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:

S P O N S O R E D BY:

JORDAN COGHLAN

DAN COLE

LUAN DE BRUIN

JOAQUIN DIAZ BONILLA

Back row

Position: Prop

Position: Prop

Position: Fly-half

Born: 30/10/92

Position:

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:

48

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

BLAKE ENEVER

GEORGE FORD

ELLIS GENGE

FACUNDO GIGENA

Position: Lock

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Position: Prop

Born: 12/10/91

Born: 16/03/93

Born: 16/02/95

Born: 15/09/94

Height:

2.01m/6ft 7in

Height:

1.78m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

114kg/17st 1lb

Weight:

86kg/13st 7lb

Weight:

117kg/18st 6lb

Weight:

111kg/17st 6lb

Honours: Australia

Honours: England

Honours: England

Honours: Argentina

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

S P O N S O R E D BY:

CALUM GREEN

TOM HARDWICK

ZACK HENRY

JOE HEYES

Position: Lock

Position: Fly-half/Centre

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Born: 15/07/90

Born: 24/03/99

Born: 01/10/94

Born: 13/04/99

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Weight:

119kg/18st 12lb

Weight:

94kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

126kg/19st 12lb

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

ACADEMY GRADUATE

ACADEMY GRADUATE

49

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

JAKE KERR

TOMAS LAVANINI

NEPHI LEATIGAGA

SAM LEWIS

Position: Hooker

Position: Lock

Position: Prop

Position: Lock/Flanker

Born: 13/04/96

Born: 22/01/93

Born: 09/12/93

Born: 27/04/98

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

2.01m/6ft 7in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.95m/6ft 5in

Weight:

105kg/16st 7lb

Weight:

130kg/20st 7lb

Weight:

149kg/23st 6lb

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Honours: Scotland

Honours: Argentina

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

HANRO LIEBENBERG Position:

SHALVA MAMUKASHVILI

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

JULIÁN MONTOYA

Back row

Position: Hooker

Position: Fly-half/Centre/Full-back

Position: Hooker

Born: 10/10/95

Born: 02/10/90

Born: 13/03/97

Born: 29/10/93

Height:

1.97m/6ft 5 in

Height:

1.80m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.80m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

101kg/16st 9lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

113kg/17st 11lb

Honours: Georgia

Honours: Argentina

50

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

MATIAS MORONI

KINI MURIMURIVALU

NEMANI NADOLO

JORDAN OLOWOFELA

Position: Centre/Wing

Position: Full-back/Wing

Position: Wing/centre

Position: Wing/full-back

Born: 10/07/91

Born: 15/05/89

Born: 31/01/88

Born: 17/04/98

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.88m / 6ft 2in

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 5lb

Weight:

120kg/19st 5lb

Weight:

92kg / 14st 7lb

Honours: Argentina

Honours: Fiji

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

S P O N S O R E D BY:

MATT SCOTT

GUY PORTER

HARRY POTTER

TOMMY REFFELL

Position: Centre/Wing

Position: Wing

Position: Flanker

Position: Centre

Born: 23/01/97

Born: 15/12/97

Born: 27/04/99

Born: 30/09/90

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1lb

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.84m / 6ft 0in

Height:

1.85m/6ft 1in

Weight:

95kg/15st 1lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

103kg / 16st 3lb

Weight:

101kg/15st 12lb

Honours: Scotland ACADEMY GRADUATE

51

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

HARRY SIMMONS

JACO TAUTE

KOBUS VAN WYK

LUKE WALLACE

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Centre/Full-back

Position: Wing

Position: Flanker

Born: 25/11/97

Born: 21/03/91

Born: 22/01/92

Born: 02/10/90

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3 in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

90kg/14st 2lb

Weight:

108kg/17st 0lb

Weight:

98kg/15st 6lb

Weight:

100kg/15st 11lb

Honours:

South Africa

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

S P O N S O R E D BY:

HARRY WELLS

BEN WHITE

JASPER WIESE

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

Position: Lock

Position: Scrum-half

Position:

Back row

Position: Scrum-half

Born: 29/09/93

Born: 27/05/98

Born: 21/10/95

Born: 09/06/83

Height:

1.96m/6ft 5in

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3ins

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Weight:

110kg/17st 5lb

Weight:

87kg/13st 11lb

Weight:

116kg/18st 5lb

Weight:

83kg/13st 1lb

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:

52

LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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

GEORGE WORTH

BEN YOUNGS

TOM YOUNGS

Position: Centre/Full-back

Position: Scrum-half

Position: Hooker

Born: 08/10/96

Born: 05/09/89

Born: 28/01/87

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.79m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.75m/5ft 9in

Weight:

95kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

88kg/13st 12lb

Weight:

104kg/16st 5lb

ACADEMY GRADUATE

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 WORCESTER WARRIORS

53

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

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

LEICESTER TIGERS

COMMUNITY TEAM SUPPORTING TIGERS’ COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

PLACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR BROOKSBY MELTON COLLEGE COURSES 2021-22

Leicester Tigers and Brooksby Melton College continue to work in partnership to deliver further education and higher education options for young people, with the added extra of Tigers Rugby. The club’s senior rugby development officer Steven Baker shares how interested post-16 students can get involved in the applications for next year’s courses, as well as the work experience opportunities at the club: First, how have Brooksby Melton College been affected by Covid-19 since the outbreak?

As you can imagine, like any other educational institution in the country, we have had to react to the ever-changing threat of the pandemic.

However, we have engaged with more than 90 students in person with live sessions to maintain the delivery of our programme.

We have also continued a successful online delivery programme with video analysis, physical challenges, coursework delivery and special guest speakers.

What’s a normal day of college like?

As it currently stands, all lessons are being delivered remotely, with three days a week split into our rugby groups and then coming together in a socially-distant setting for the strength and conditioning sessions.

What is the Tigers' long-standing relationship with BMC? We started our partnership during the 2014-15 season by providing sport students with rugby enrichment in line with their academic timetable and started with just six players.

The 2018-19 season saw us develop a unique HE/Degree experience supporting students with

their career prospects by providing work and industry experience and qualifications alongside their studies.

Our Academic and Sporting Excellence ACE programme (formally AASE) involves a selected group of 60 players in the 16-18 age-group who are looking to study Sport, Sport Science or Agriculture alongside a full-time elite rugby training programme.

There are further places open to applicants on these courses using a development programme which mirrors the ACE schedule.

Students looking to follow other courses can still access rugby with at least two hours of coaching available in their timetables, as well as being available for selection for fixtures.

When do I need to apply by for next year?

Applications are open now and we advise students to send in their applications as soon as possible to be added to our rugby students mailing list to receive regular updates. You’ll also be able to complete your academic interview and ask transport/accommodation queries in good time before the start of term.

To apply, find your relevant course using the link below and please include ‘you are interested in the Tigers rugby pathway’. www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/course-finder/

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

LEICESTER TIGERS

FOUNDATION NEWS

Our teams are up and running - literally - in the Leicester Tigers Foundation Race Around the World Challenge.

The challenge has been launched this month to support fitness and well-being at Tigers and our Global Partners Clubs, while also trying to raise valuable funding to replace revenues lost during the Covid pandemic to allow the Foundation’s continued delivery of education and inclusion programmes in our community.

The challenge involves any member of the Tigers Family contributing their training distances to the club’s total in a race with our Global Partnership Clubs from Kuala Lumpur Tigers, Bangkok Lions, Delhi Hurricanes, RC Diok, Rugby Colorno and Dendermonde RFC to find the fastest to a total distance of 24,901 miles around the world.

Whether you walk, run, cycle, row or measure the distance covered in any other form of exercise - however great or small, however quick or steady - you can join the Tigers team and hopefully help the Foundation in its work too.

Here are the leading totals in the opening week, plus a ‘virtual destination’ so far from their starting point: KL Tigers 5,326 miles

Auckland

Leicester Tigers Foundation 731 miles Border of Czechia Bangkok Lions 686 miles

Vietnam

Dendermonde RFC 167 miles

Cologne

Tigers have some ground to make up - so we’d love you to join in.

If you can make a donation or raise some sponsorship to aid the Foundation, that would be even better. And while you’re clocking up your regular exercise, look out on the club website for regular updates from each of the Global Partner Clubs.

Also, there are weekly tips on exercise and fitness with the Tigers Fit Fans programme, which is published every Thursday on the website - and you can even count the distance covered in each session towards your/our total!

If any further motivation was needed, everyone who makes a contribution to the Foundation of

£10 or more will be entered into a draw to win a Tigers shirt.

Each club has its own Strava link (search for the Leicester Tigers Foundation club page) so you can add your distances and the first club who completes a lap of the globe will be crowned as the Leicester Tigers Foundation Around The World champions.

You can download a weekly logsheet to share with us too.

For links to your logsheet, the Just Giving page for donations and sponsorship, and much more information on the work of the Foundation and format of the Challenge, see the Community section of the Tigers website and click on the Foundation page.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

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 welcome to Chester Moore, who is our virtual matchday mascot this afternoon. Thank you for your message to the team Chester we hope you enjoy following all of the action.

Do 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 a bobble

5 to Tackle 1. How many Tigers are in the England squad for the Six Nations?

2. Which team do England play against this weekend?

3. What colour shirts do Worcester Warriors wear at home?

4. Who is the Samoa international in the Tigers squad?

5. How many Tigers games has Tom Youngs played before today?

Did you know?

Hanro Liebenberg and his older brother Wiaan have both played for the Blue Bulls and have both captained South Africa Under-20s.

Quick word Who is this passing on instructions to hooker Julián Montoya?

Answers: Quick word: Joe Heyes; Five to tackle: 1 Three – George Ford, Ellis Genge & Ben Youngs, 2 Scotland, 3 Blue, 4 Nephi Leatigaga, 5 200.

Proud sponsors of the Junior Tigers Club

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

63

Matt Hampson

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

ADAPTED WORKOUTS ONLINE The Matt Hampson Foundation is providing a number of adapted workouts on its YouTube channel to help disabled people keep active and healthy during lockdown.

Leading paralympian Sophie Carigill has this week called for more to be done to help disabled people benefit from physical activity during the pandemic, which is a sentiment strongly supported

by Matt’s Foundation.

Research has shown that lockdown has caused a sharp decline in physical activity among disabled people, with only 23 per cent saying they are able to exercise for 30 minutes or more due to government restrictions.

Matt said: “Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but particularly for disabled people who can be less independent, less mobile and often isolated from friends and family.

“Physical and mental health are so closely linked, it is essential that people keep active and motivated while in lockdown to stay healthy and happy.

“We fully support Sophie’s call for more to be done. The fitness industry and social media influencers need to become more aware and inclusive of disabled people’s needs when it comes to exercise.

“Here at the Foundation, we would encourage anyone wanting to get active to head to our YouTube channel where we have many adapted and accessible home workouts with our personal trainer.”

Search for the Matt Hampson Foundation channel on Youtube for all of our online workouts.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

Tigers History

FEB

ON THIS DAY

6

1886: Bedford Swifts were beaten 4-0 (4 tries to 0 tries) at Victoria Park. It was the 12th game in a 14-match season which climaxed before the end of February.

1988: With skipper Paul Dodge playing his

1892: Leicester lost 2-0 at home to Old Edwardians - who would also put them out of the Midland Counties Cup - in the final season at the Belgrave Cricket and Cycle Ground.

1993: Steve Hackney - scorer of 14 tries in 18 games that season - opened the scoring in a 52-10 victory over Rosslyn Park.

1904: Arthur Jones captained Tigers to an

8-0 win over Harlequins. Richard Russell and Alfred Hind were the tryscorers.

appearance in a 34-9 win over Harlequins, with Leon Lloyd (2), Lewis Moody, Neil Back and Joel Stransky on the scoresheet.

1909: Playing less than 48 hours after a 13-0

2001: Tigers beat Bristol 17-10 in a Tuesday

win over Richmond, Tigers were beaten 7-0 at Coventry. Twelve players started both games.

Ernest Booth, the first All Black to play for the club, made the last of his five club appearances against Richmond.

1926: Harold Day scored two of the six tries

first game since October, back-rower Simon Povoas notched three tries in a 34-15 win over London Scottish.

1999: Full-back Michael Horak made his final

evening game, with Winston Stanley claiming the only try. Eight of the line-up started in a win at London Irish four days later.

2004: Tigers stayed ninth in the table after a

3-3 draw with Sale Sharks. It was the second of three draws in that season.

and kicked two conversions in a 22-11 victory over London Scottish.

1960: David Senior, who made his club debut on

the opening day of the season, took his try tally to 14 with two in a 15-3 win over London Scottish.

He would smash the post-war record of 16 by taking his total to 23 by the end of April.

1965: David Matthews and Bob Rowell were on the scoresheet in an 11-6 win at London Scottish.

1969: Matt Poole was born in Leicester.

He made his debut in 1988 and totalled 223 appearances for the club.

1971: After scoring his first try for the club a fortnight earlier, hooker Peter Wheeler did it again but was on the losing team at London Scottish. Peter Nicholls also marked his debut with a try.

1982: Tim Barnwell, who would finish the season with 20 tries, joined Brian Hall and Dosser Smith on the scoresheet in a 19-6 win over London Scottish.

2010: Flanked by Julian White and Boris

Stankovich, Tom Youngs started just his second game at hooker for the club in a Cup defeat at Northampton. It was also Harry Ellis’ final appearance. Dan Cole made his England debut on the same day.

2016: Freddie Burns kicked the only points in a 10-3 defeat at Sale Sharks.

Tigers v Warriors_Layout 1 22/01/2021 15:21 Page 1

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

The spotlight on Tom Youngs was well deserved as he made his 200th appearance for the club last weekend and also prompted a check in the record books to put his switch from backs to forward pack into context.

Club historian Stuart Farmer, in the History Book published in 2014, listed just 10 players who have started a game in the backline and in the forward pack since 1945.

Tom, of course, started as a centre before his conversion into a Premiership winner and an international front-rower.

Back in the 1970s, Steve Solomons made his early appearances as a full-back but then returned to the first-team as a back-rower a few years later.

In the 1950s, both Bob Small and Gordon Almey were key members of the Tigers pack, making more than 100 appearances each, but they also wore various shirts in the backline in their early days in the first-team.

Even more surprising is that club record appearance-holder David Matthews, who clocked up an incredible 502 first-team games over 19 years up to 1974, is also on Stuart’s list of all-rounders after making one appearance as a back.

Craig Newby, you may recall, made an epic appearance as an emergency centre for Tigers in recent memory but he was known as a flanker and was good enough to play for the All Blacks there.

Going back to the early years of the 20th Century, Harry Lawrie is among just four players who have lined up in all five backline positions (scrum-half, fly-half,

centre, wing and full-back) but carries the unique distinction of also starting a further 123 times among the forwards.

Austin Healey started at scrum-half, fly-half, wing and fullback in his Tigers career, one of just four men to play more than 10 times in each of those shirts.

As for adaptability in the current squad, there are several players who have filled at least three roles.

Hanro Liebenberg has started in all three positions in the back row and can also play at lock; Kini Murimurivalu made his first three starts in three different roles in the backline last season, following Mathew Tait as an international-class option at centre, wing or fullback; and Harry Simmons, who was spotlighted in last week’s matchday programme, made a

Kini Murimurivalu covers numerous roles

Stat Pack A LOOK AT SOME OF THE FACTS AND FIGURES BEHIND THE HEADLINES...

debut at scrum-half, started at full-back a week later and is now operating as a wing.

Jaco Taute and Nemani Nadolo have both joined the forward pack at scrum-time to cover for sin-bin periods since making their debuts for the club last season, but neither looks like making a permanent switch!

History-maker Harr y Lawrie

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

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An unmissable lineup on BT Sport

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LEICESTER TIGERS v WORCESTER WARRIORS

FanZone Jasper Wiese after playing against brother Cobus...

LEICESTER TIGERs

“Me and my brother are very close and we have always been competitive but my mother says she is screaming for rugby on the day, she is not supporting anybody”

VERSUS

WORCESTER WARRIORS

G A L L AG H E R P R E M I E R S H I P SAT U R DAY, F E B R UA RY 6, 2 0 2 1 K I C K- O F F 3.0 0 P M

PROGRAMME CREDITS Cover star: Jasper Wiese 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

Ellis Genge on fatherhood...

“I feel I’m a lot more responsible for looking after the house and my family. I’m actually helping out now, whereas before I’d literally come home and sit on my computer every day.”

Jack van Poortvliet on team-mate Freddie Steward...

“We played against each other from about the age of six in Norfolk. We still joke about it a bit now. He was Holt and I was North Walsham.”

BIRTHDAY WISHES

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

• Colin Bartlette • Matthew Burn • Greg Callaghan • Matthew Congreve • Martyn Davies • Gojko Drtcha • Dean Frape

• Duane Graham • Giles Hill • Ken Hitchen • Joanna Johnston • Peter Long • Dael Massey • Peter Maye

• Steven McHugh • Daisy Merryfield • David Morley • Jake Noble • Peter Randall • Julie Rayson-Flynn • Susan Roberts

• Anthony Saunders • Anthony Sibson • Rosemary Watson • Ronald Wheat • Barbara Wistow • Robin Wright • Andrew York

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