Club-by-club guide: Leicester Tigers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer (below)
Captain: Martin Corry
IN
Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Ben Woods (Newcastle Falcons), Craig Newby (Highlanders), Julien Dupuy (Biarritz)
OUT
Andy Goode (Brive), Matt Cornwell (Exeter Chiefs), Paul Burke (retired), Ian Humphreys (Ulster), Ollie Smith (Montpellier), Alex Moreno (Calvisano), Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh), Luke Abraham (Sale), Frank Murphy (Connacht), David Young (Gloucester)
First five games
Sep 6 Gloucester (A)
Sep 13 London Irish (H)
Sep 20 Worcester Warriors (A)
Sep 26 London Wasps (A)
Oct 1 Northampton Saints (H)
Lessons from last season
Having a dead man walking as coach for most of the season doesn’t do anyone any favours, and the Tigers nearly, unthinkably, missed out on the playoffs but for final day salvation. Their refusal to be beaten got them to Twickenham but they looked jaded in the final from both their on-field efforts and the off-field turmoil that ended with Marcelo Loffreda’s (right) dismissal after just seven months in the job. Instability isn’t a word often used about the Tigers, and they will want to see it crop up far less this term as they attempt to regain their crown as kings of England.
Strengths
With Heyneke Meyer in charge, the Tigers should play a similar style to his former side, the Bulls, basing their game around a dominant engine room in the pack and a fly-half with a hefty boot, in the shape of Derick Hougaard (left). It’s not exactly a million miles from the Leicester way and, after all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Weaknesses
The new player agreement, whilst bolstering the coffers of clubs providing the most England players, will see the Tigers lose 12 of their squad, the second highest total behind champions London Wasps.
Player to watch
Can you name your preferred locking combination for England? Neither can we, which is why this season represents a massive opportunity for the massive frame of Richard Blaze (above). The former Worcester, basketball-loving youngster could force his way into the reckoning under the guidance of a coach who reared the likes of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha at the Bulls.
Did you know?
The Tigers’ match against Bath at Welford Road on September 5, 1931 was the first occasion that an entire Leicester team was lettered.
Prediction It may take a while for the new coach to get his feet under the table, but the Tigers look very strong.
1st
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments