Leicester Tigers v Gloucester Rugby Digital Matchday Programme (21-11-2020) v2 by Leicester Tigers

LEICESTER TIGERS V E R S U S

S O U V E N I R E D I T I O N | W E L F O R D R O A D 2 , 5 0 0

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

THE TEAMS

LEICESTER TIGERS

GLOUCESTER RUGBY

S TA R T I N G X V -

FREDDIE STEWARD

T P C D

TOM HUDSON

KOBUS VAN WYK

T P C D

OLLIE THORLEY

ENG

JACO TAUTE T P C D

T P C D

CHRIS HARRIS

SCO

GUY PORTER

T P C D

BILLY TWELVETREES

ENG

HARRY POTTER

T P C D

MATT BANAHAN

ENG

ZACK HENRY

T P C D

DANNY CIPRIANI

ENG ENG

SAF

T P C D

ENG

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH

T P C D

JOE SIMPSON

ARG

FACUNDO GIGENA

T P C D

VAL RAPAVA-RUSKIN

ENG / LIONS

TOM YOUNGS (C)

T P C D

HENRY WALKER

ENG / LIONS

DAN COLE

T P C D

FRASER BALMAIN

HARRY WELLS

T P C D

ED SLATER

CALUM GREEN

T P C D

MATT GARVEY

HANRO LIEBENBERG

T P C D

JAMIE GIBSON

TOMMY REFFELL

T P C D

LEWIS LUDLOW (C)

JASPER WIESE

T P C D

RUAN ACKERMANN

CHARLIE CLARE

T P C D

RYAN BOWER

JOE HEYES

CAMERON HENDERSON

CYLE BRINK

SAF

R E P L AC E M E N T S

ARG -

T P C D

TODD GLEAVE

T P C D

CORNE FOURIE

T P C D

JACK STANLEY

T P C D

FREDDIE CLARKE

T P C D

JORDY REID

T P C D

CHARLIE CHAPMAN

TITO BONILLA

BEN WHITE T P C D T P C D

T P C D

LLOYD EVANS

DAN KELLY

T P C D

MARK ATKINSON

M AT C H O F F I C I A L S Referee: Mr Jack Makepeace Assistants: Mr Ian Tempest & Mr Simon McConnell TMO: Mr Stuart Terheege Citing Officer: Mr Grant Seely 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 GLOUCESTER RUGBY

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY CONTENTS 3 TEAMS 6

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN

STEVE BORTHWICK’S NOTES

CLUB NEWS

WELFORD ROAD 2,500

HOME COMFORTS REVISITED

TODAY’S OPPOSITION

MATCH PREVIEWS

THE FIXTURE LIST

PLAYER STATS

COMPLETE RECORD 2019-20

SEASONAL SNAPSHOT

TIGERS MATCHFILE

FROM THE BOARDROOM

TIGERS PLAYING SQUAD

TIGERS FOUNDATION

COMMUNITY TEAM

JUNIOR TIGERS CLUB

ON THIS DAY

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, 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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LIS HE D I N

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

Peter Tom CBE

CHAIRMAN Welcome to the opening game of the 2020-21 season and to this landmark occasion in the history of our stadium. This is the 2,500th first-team fixture to be hosted at Welford Road - and also the first as The Mattioli Woods Welford Road. It is fitting that we host Gloucester Rugby as they are among our most familiar and most regular rivals throughout the years here. The stadium has, of course, changed a lot since the pitch was first marked out back in 1892 and, as custodians of this great club, we have a lot for which to thank our predecessors while also aiming to provide many more great memories for all of our supporters here. This is our first fixture since the departure of Geordan Murphy and I would like to reiterate our thanks for his contribution to the club. I can only repeat my words from the announcement last Friday in expressing my sincere gratitude to Geordan on behalf of everyone at the Tigers for all that he has done here over such a long period of time, and I wish him and his family all the best for the future. We hope to afford him the send-off he deserves when our supporters are back in the stadium. Thank you also to Boris Stankovich for his dedicated service in spells as player and coach, and to Rory Underwood who had a very successful playing career here and has now stepped down after 13 years as a non-exec director. Rob Taylor, too, has departed since the end of last season and we wish all of them well for the future. They will always be welcome at Welford Road. To the additions in the playing squad and those making a Tigers debut today, I offer a very warm welcome on behalf of the Tigers Family. One of the stand-out features of recent months has been the support we have received from our season ticket holders and club partners. That level of support has helped us through challenging times and you will all play a major part in the way forward.

It has been humbling to see how many season ticket holders have signed up for 2020-21 despite having to begin this campaign with games played behind closed doors. I thank you all for your commitment and look forward to welcoming you in due course.

Gloucester have been historic rivals

This is our first fixture with Topps Tiles as main partners and I welcome them to the Tigers Family, while also acknowledging the invaluable support from all of our existing partners and a number of new names who have come on board. We hope this is the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship for you all. Club staff, too, have been incredible and I know that together we can all play a crucial part in taking Tigers back to where we want to be, at the top of the game. I know you will join me in wishing Steve, the backroom team and the players all the very best for the new season.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

Head coach Steve Borthwick

FROM THE TOUCHLINE We start a new season this afternoon with some of our players still to experience running out in front of a big crowd at our home stadium, but I promise you they all understand how passionate our supporters are about wanting the team to do well and we talk a lot about what we want to deliver for our fans. Everybody is desperate to get this club heading in the right direction and, while we’ve made a start with the work done at the backend of last season and the experiences gained from it, there is a lot of work to do and progress to be made every single day. These are challenging times for everyone, and our community in Leicester has had it particularly tough, but people are working through it as best they can and we have been doing the same. We didn’t want to train from home for two weeks, but it was the right thing to do to close the training ground and the club reacted very responsibly to protect our players, their families, our supporters and the local community.

In the squad we have some players with lots of Test caps and lots of games for Leicester Tigers, we have some young players just starting to make a name for themselves, we have players who came in during the summer and have only played a few games for Leicester and we still have others who have not yet played their first game. All of those players have invested in what we are trying to do and in playing their part.

FOURTEEN PLAYERS MADE THEIR LEICESTER DEBUTS IN THE LAST 10 GAMES OF 2019-20, WE HAVE ANOTHER SIX STILL TO MAKE THEIR DEBUTS, INCLUDING SOME THIS AFTERNOON, SO IT IS A SQUAD THAT WE ARE BUILDING TOGETHER AND THAT MAKES THIS AN EXCITING JOURNEY TO BE PART OF FOR ALL OF US But the hard work didn’t stop just because we were isolating at home. We have very good medical and conditioning staff, and the players were very diligent about their programmes so we could use the time as well as we could, with the goal of coming out of it as strongly as possible. The process we started back on July 1 was about building blocks, in conditioning and fitness, on how we want to play and gaining experience, and learning lessons quickly, and that continues. We are trying to grow to go forward and at the same time every other club is pushing forward. That means we have to learn faster than the opposition, and put those lessons into practice.

Fourteen players made their Leicester debuts in the last 10 games of 2019-20, we have another six still to make their debuts, including some this afternoon, so it is a squad that we are building together and that makes this an exciting journey to be part of for all of us.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

CLUB NEWS MILLION METRE CHALLENGE

MATTIOLI WOODS WELFORD ROAD This is a landmark day on two fronts for the home of the Leicester Tigers as the teams run out for the first time at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in the club’s 2,500th fixture here over more than 125 years. Tigers and long-standing partners Mattioli Woods have announced a new five-year deal that will see the wealth management firm rebrand the stadium. The move marks a first for the club - at a home opened in 1892 - and is one that will play a huge role in supporting the future of the Tigers. Mattioli Woods has been an official partner of the Tigers since 2016, supporting the club with shirt sponsorship and naming rights to the East Stand. Now they have added their name to the stadium in a further show of support, which is especially valuable with the club hit by millions of pounds in lost revenues since lockdown. The two organisations became city centre neighbours in 2018 with Mattioli Woods moving its Leicester office to the top of Welford Road, where they accommodate 400 employees in the five-storey complex. The two businesses have previously worked together supporting the annual Rothley 10k run, organising stadium visits for schools, hosting business networking and providing financial advice workshops. The commitment of all club partners allows Tigers to resource not only the playing squad but also continue its important role in the community. Find out more about Mattioli Woods by visiting www.mattioliwoods.com

Tigers staff have taken on the One Million Metre Lockdown II Challenge issued by the Matt Hampson Foundation to keep active and promote physical and mental health this month. With gyms closed and sporting activity restricted, the Challenge provides a perfect motivator to stay busy and active. And there’s a chance to raise funds for Matt’s Foundation too. Whatever exercise you do, as long as you can measure the distance covered, you can join and target reaching one million metres by the end of lockdown - while also assisting your own physical and mental health. If you go for a walk, take the dog out, run/jog, ride a bike, use a rowing machine or home exerciser, every metre counts. Matt said: “It’s a great idea to keep us all active and connected, and hopefully we can inspire others to do likewise. We’d love our supporters and their friends and families to join in too.” The Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre will remain open for physio and essential rehabilitation for beneficiaries, though personal training sessions have been stopped. To find out more and to see how you can support the Foundation, see the website or search for the MHFlockdown challenge page on Just Giving.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

A new season kicks off as Welford Road hosts Tigers for the 2,500th time. This opening game of 2020-21 is also a first at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Today we revisit some of the history, the famous moments, and the eye-catching facts and figures behind those games in the hope that we’ll all be back together at the iconic stadium very soon. Just a couple of seasons ago, Tigers marked Welford Road’s 125th anniversary and today we reach another major landmark with the club’s 2,500th first-team fixture here. Before moving to the current site in 1892, the club had been based at Belgrave Road and Victoria Park, while the green, white and red colours now famous throughout the rugby world had only just been adopted a year before the acceptance of an offer from the city corporation for a 10year lease on land between Welford Road and Aylestone Road. That lease was signed in March 1892 and £1,100 spent on preparing a new pitch. A stand was transferred from Belgrave Road, some seating installed and the new ground was opened with a game against a Leicestershire XV on September 10, 1892. The two teams met again in 1992 to mark the venue’s centenary, by which time of course, Welford Road had become an iconic venue. Gate receipts in those early days were around £50, while bigger games in the Midland Counties Cup - the only ‘competitive’ rugby in that era could bring in five times that amount. A ground committee was charged with running the club’s home and were authorised to spend up to £50 a time on straw to protect against frost, recouping some of the money by sales of advertising boards when a fence was then added around the playing area.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

There were no changing rooms, however, with teams using the Bedford Hotel on Aylestone Road - the building is still there though currently vacant - and crossing the road in the days before multiple lanes of commuting traffic. A new clubhouse was added in September 1909, at a cost of £1,150, and housed the venue’s first changing rooms as well as a committee room and gym. That same year, the Barbarians visited for the first time and set in motion a relationship which played a huge part in making Leicester’s name, as well as cementing the game in the heart of generations of Tigers supporters whose fondest memories come from the annual Christmas fixture featuring many of the biggest names in rugby. Those games also did wonders for the club’s bank balance and allowed the continued development of what we now call home. It was money well spent on the Clubhouse as it would remain a feature of the venue, with various additions and amendments, for more than a century before being replaced in the recent redevelopment at that end of the ground. The Members’ Stand on the north side was rebuilt just as rugby stalled with the start of World War One, while the clubhouse was pressed into military service with the cessation of fixtures. Only sporadic matches to help promote Army recruitment and to raise money for the Royal

Infirmary followed, until a full programme resumed four years later and the Members’ Stand was officially opened in peacetime. A second stand on the opposite touchline - now known as the Breedon Stand - was added in 1920 as part of Tom Crumbie’s grand vision to provide the best rugby facilities in the country and attract regular international fixtures. Although England made their home at Twickenham, playing just one more game at Welford Road after the addition of the new stand, those facilities did put the club in a prominent position to push on in their own ambitious plans for the future, though the £21,000 cost did impose a significant debt on the club for many years. Soon afterwards, terracing was added in front of the New Stand with an extension on the opposite side, where the Holland & Barrett Stand is now, taking seating capacity beyond 10,000. A crowd of 12,000 attended the opening-day game against Bath in 1921 as the stadium started to take the shape known by many supporters today. The Tiger History Book compiled by journalist David Hands and historian Stuart Farmer in 2014 includes a description of facilities in this era from a book called 'Ramblings of a Rabbit': “The ground is situated in the angle of two wide thoroughfares, both of which contain double tracks of tram lines. It is therefore easily accessible and, what is far more important, can be emptied in five minutes.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

“Adjoining the ground is a large building the Junior Training Hall - where dances and exhibitions are held. The ground itself is a fine one. The stands can accommodate about 8,000 and the ground 30,000. “The players’ dressing rooms are first rate and the referee has a complete furnished room with a private bath.” In October 1925, Welford Road creaked at the seams with an attendance of 35,000 for a game against the ‘Invincible’ All Blacks, which created a £1,000 profit and remains in the record books as the biggest crowd at the venue. Many more international visitors have graced the Tigers turf in the last 128 years at Welford Road, including, of course, the historic victory over world champions South Africa on another memorable occasion which officially opened the 10,000-seat North Stand in 2009 at a cost of £14million. As journalist Peter Bills wrote for The Independent that evening: “The portents were hardly encouraging. Most of us in the press box surveyed the two teams, especially Leicester’s weakened outfit, and suggested a 30-point stroll for the South Africans. “Doubtless that was what the South Africans expected. But what we got was one of the best displays of raw emotion you’ll witness in years. Not just caused by the atmosphere but

by the deeds of the home players on the pitch. Leicester’s hotch-potch side played as if its very life depended upon it. “The team gave the supporters their cue with some stirring early efforts and, once they’d got into the opposition heads with their singing, roaring and constant encouragement, they never let go. “Frankly, you felt privileged to be there, witnessing such an extraordinary performance of guts and determination.” The new North Stand was another step in the redevelopment following the replacement of the old cinder bank at the Welford Road end by a stand featuring executive boxes and hospitality rooms in 1995, in what is now the Mattioli Woods Stand. The work has continued with new accommodation at the Aylestone Road end carrying the name of the Robin Hood Stand thanks to links with Nottingham Building Society, meaning three-quarters of the grand old stadium had been replaced in just 25 years. The site continues to evolve, too, not just in facilities for supporters but also outside with a hotel taking shape on the Granby Halls site in front of Main Reception and plans to improve parking provision on the opposite side. Whatever changes, the stadium will continue to be at the heart of the Tigers and a name known everywhere the game is played.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

1,835

TIGERS AT WELFORD ROAD

WON

131

533

DRAWN

LOST

7,885

TRIES (INCLUDING 85 PENALTY TRIES)

4,027 3,106 CONVERSIONS

PENALTIES

454 DROP GOALS

GOALS FROM A MARK

47,668 23,518 POINTS FOR

POINTS AGAINST

MOST CLUB APPEARANCES AT THE STADIUM

SID PENNY ��301 DAVID MATTHEWS ��282 DOUG NORMAN ��265 JOHN ALLEN ��252 BILLY FOREMAN ��233 PEDLAR WOOD ��227 PAUL DODGE ��225 JACK BRAITHWAITE ��217 GEORGE WARD ��212 DUSTY HARE ��208

MOST POINTS SCORED DUSTY HARE ��2,692 JOHN LILEY �� 1,423 TIM STIMPSON ��983 ANDY GOODE ��939 HAROLD DAY ��812

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

HISTORY BOOK MISCELLANY* *with thanks to club historian Stuart Farmer

An application to stage greyhound racing at the stadium was refused in the 1930s but sports events including tennis and boxing have been hosted, as well as music festivals.

Each of Fred Jackson’s 20 tries for Leicester (1906-08) was scored during 48 appearances at Welford Road. His failed to score in any of his 29 appearances away from home.

The roof of the Crumbie Stand was hit during an air raid in the 1940s.

Floodlights were added in 1964 and switched on for the first time in the game against a Midlands XV.

All of Gerry Ainscough’s 44 points for the club were scored in his four appearances at the stadium in 1992.

Percy Lawrie (148), Harry Wilkinson (117) and Bob Barker (104) are the only players to score more than a century of tries at Welford Road.

Tigers purchased the freehold of the site from the City Council in 2004.

Sid Penny was on the winning team on 231 occasions in his 301 appearances at the venue.

Les Cusworth scored 37 drop-goals at the stadium, one ahead of Jez Harris.

As well as Tigers, Welford Road has hosted domestic representative teams including Leicestershire and the Midlands, England and Rugby World Cup fixtures over its 128year history.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

HOME SWEET HOME: Revisited It is a huge shame that we cannot share the day as Tigers run out for a landmark fixture at the club’s 128-year-old home but it doesn’t prevent us from marking the occasion. Back at Christmas 2012, we included a special feature on Welford Road in the pages of the matchday programme and thought it was worth visiting their words again today…

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K When you’re in the changing rooms, the stand starts rumbling, the feet start stamping. You feed off that before you come out of the tunnel. You come down the steps and see that massive stand and that atmosphere when you come down the steps hits you. There’s a kid there who stands at the top of the steps and taps everyone’s hand as you come through. I used to do that, and Harry Ellis used to do that when we were kids. Every time I see the kid it reminds me when I used to do it. Louis Deacon Welford Road matchday has always delivered a potent blend of emotions and experiences. The atmosphere and bond between strangers in both home and away supporters is special and that is what I look forward to most. Welford Road has always been a special place to my family and I believe it always will be. Terence Smith First time my parents met my fiancée @LKMcSherry was at Welford Road. It was a perfect way to introduce her to the family :) @SmugBadger My husband introduced me to Welford Road and I was a bit under-awed the first time I went. But how wrong I was. As soon as the stadium started to fill, the anticipation started to build and, when the players came out, you could feel the excitement and tension.

Even now, as soon as I come up the road and see those lights and hear the roar, it makes me shiver. Welford Road is a great stadium. The ghosts of players and victories past are embedded in the grounds. And what makes it truly special is the spirit and generosity of fans and players. Combined, they make an inspiring force. Jacqui Cameron My debut at Welford Road was against Harlequins in 2008. I was totally unaware the goal-kickers over here get the silent treatment. Derick Hougaard was having a shot at goal and it was silent. I asked Aaron Mauger, ‘What’s going on?’. He just laughed and said this is what the fans do. Back in New Zealand people boo, yell abuse and other comments. Scott Hamilton

On the Remembrance weekend in 2004 I took my Under-9s to Welford Road. We went to Oval Park and had a training session with the community staff before going to the game. When we got to the stadium, the staff asked if I would take the young players on to the pitch for the two minutes of silence. In a stadium of 18,000 people, my little group of eight-year-olds stood shoulder to shoulder (or knee) with their heroes in silence and respect. I was so proud of that group. What was equally nice was a number of the crowd took the time to find our details and wrote to us to praise the young players. Ian ‘Spike’ Milligan

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K I used to come down with my dad when I was about 10. He used to stand on the Terrace and I wasn’t able to see anything. I listened to some cracking games in those first visits! I played there in the Prima Tiger Cup with Hinckley. It was really exciting for a kid and, fortunately, we won. Graham Rowntree and Darren Garforth presented the trophy, which was awesome. I used to watch a lot of football with Aston Villa but definitely going to the Tigers was a much better atmosphere than a Premier League football ground. Sam Harrison

I have loads of great memories of Welford Road from my childhood - standing on the slag-heap with my dad, the great Barbarians matches. The one that stands out most was being here to watch Tigers beat the Springboks. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible, as was the whole of the Leicester team. Thinking about it still brings a lump to my throat! Mark As an away player, it was always an intimidating experience. You know you have not only got the 23 players, you have then got the fans who are almost climbing on to the pitch themselves. I remember the fans were banging their feet above us. We were sat there waiting to go out

and then you’ve got thousands of people above you smashing their feet through the floor! You see the devotion the supporters have for the team. You know they are going to support the team through thick and thin. Michael Young Each time I walk into the ground it always gives me such an immense feeling of anticipation and a real buzz. For years I worked at the LRI and longed to be part of matchday. None of my friends watched rugby and working Saturdays was torture, knowing that I was missing out on the fun just across the road, made worse by the fact that most of the medical staff were enjoying the rugby! Chris Day

Moving from Spain to Leicester, Welford Road was my first point of contact, where I met almost all my friends, and my sanctuary. Two years since I came back, every time I see it on TV I feel homesick! Bruno Lopez

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

We were standing just underneath where the Press sat and Nigel StarmerSmith was trying to do a piece to camera, and every time he started, a crowd of us began singing the chorus of a popular song which went ‘We’re only making plans for Nigel’. He did see the funny side. Well for the first six times anyway! Adrian Sims

I first came to Welford Road with my mum and grandad in 1992 and the excitement I felt that first day is still felt at every home game. The anticipation of a great game, the companionship of friends who have been made by a common love for the game, the banter with away fans and the atmosphere that begins before the gates have even opened make this place one of my favourites.

Highlights are Stuart Potter scoring against Bristol to win us the league, the 1997 match against Toulouse, Louis Deacon scoring against Stade Francais, Freddie Tuilagi scoring against Gloucester deep in injury time, the smack of a Manu tackle on Tom Williams on a cold night (we saw it coming but he had no chance), the win against South Africa and the Haka. Claire Hopkins

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K

I made my first visit to Welford Road when I was three weeks old - my dad was captain that year. When we were little, there was Paul Dodge’s kids, Peter Wheeler’s boys and a few others and we used to run round on the bank [where the Mattioli Woods Stand is now] throwing a ball around. Matt Smith I remember going in through the boys’ entrance and walking on to the bank made of ash, I think from the power station or the gas works. My godfather was great

explaining the game but the thing I most remember was him shouting “Feet Tigers” which I never understood but possibly was to get the ball out of a ruck. This was in 1951-52. Chris Powdrill

One of my earliest memories was Chalkie White congratulating me for collecting the biggest bag of muddy fag ends. My dad said I had just spoken to “the most important man at the club”. Chris Whatsize

I’ve been going to Welford Road since 1966 when my father and grandfather stood on the mound at the Welford Road end. Children were asked to pick up cigarette ends as part of a clear-up programme for a reward of a ‘thrupenny bit’. I remember thinking I was going to get rich by doing such an easy job.

As an opposition player, it’s an intimidating place and when you are getting beaten it can be a fairly lonely place. As a Tigers player, it’s when people start to stamp their feet and you can hear the music. It’s unique that you walk through the crowd down on to the pitch. Mathew Tait

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T IGE R S TA L K When you’re in the changing rooms and you get the banging of the feet above you, it brings a great buzz. And then when you run out through the Terrace and you get hit by that great roar, it’s brilliant. Tom Youngs My first experience of Tigers was in 2003 when I was given a ticket for the match against India. Although there were only 4,000 fans there, I found the atmosphere amazing. I was hooked. Taff Webb My father took me to my first game when I was 11. I took him to his last game in 2006 when he was 63. Tigers kindly made space available for dad’s wheelchair so we could go to the game. It rained all day and we got soaked but I’ll never forget our last game together. And we won! Simeon Wright

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WELFORD ROAD? “Spending time with the family in a great atmosphere, enjoying a good game then watching our children join in with the band in the bar!”

“My first glimpse of the pitch when I walk through to the terrace after taking my first sip of Guinness, the anticipation of the game is priceless.”

“'Smoke On The Water' and the roar as the team runs out. There’s nothing in sport that can compare.”

“Our favourite 80 minutes of every fortnight by far.”

“My fave memory was the game when my little girl got picked to be a mascot. She still talks about it.”

“Getting to play on the pitch in the Prima Tiger Cup.” “There was cider and rugby... it doesn’t get much better than that :)”

“I sit with my son and dad in the stand my grandparents sat in c1930. My grandfather used to do firewatch in WWII from the top of the same stand as a firewarden. My great grandfather used to attend too. Five generations!”

“Listening to Welford Road’s rendition of 'God Save The Queen' at the Maori game sent chills down my spine.”

“Beating Bristol in 1995 to clinch the title. The construction workers on the Alliance & Leicester Stand (as it was then) hoisted a sign just before full-time saying “Tigers are Champs” signalling the start of the party on the terrace.”

“Bumping smack bang into Rory Underwood while looking for my brick on the Walk of Legends. He was doing the same.”

“Watching my eldest as mascot, followed by my boys doing the Guard of Honour and us parents getting on to the pitch for the Kicking Challenge.”

“Dad took me to my first game in 1963, all kids were passed to the front of the Crumbie.”

“As a ball boy, my best memory is running out to 'Smoke on the Water' before the players and hearing the stamping in the stand. Unbelievable atmosphere.” “Rock Bottom in Final Whistle. They always get the party going, no matter what the result.”

An unmissable line up on BT Sport

CUP

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

T O D AY ’ S O P P O S I T I O N

GLOUCESTER RUGBY  F O R M AT I O N Y E A R 18 7 3  – 2019/20 RECORD –

7th

8 WINS 46 POINTS

TRIES (6th)

PENALTIES (11th)

DISCIPLINE

YELLOW CARDS

2019-20 THE BEST RECORD IN THE DIVISION

BIG IN DEFENCE

515

POINTS SCORED (8th)

IN ATTACK

TOP SCORER

114

PENALTIES AGAINST (THE LOWEST)

TRIES FOR WING OLLIE THORLEY

TRIES AGAINST (3rd LOWEST)

TRY BONUS POINTS (2nd)

POINTS FOR BILLY TWELVETREES

AGAINST TIGERS

2007 L AST PREMIERSHIP FINAL APPEARANCE

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

SQUAD 2020-21 – BACKS – Pos / Honours / Age / Last Club Mark ATKINSON C

Henry TRINDER 30

Bedford

Bath

Matt BANAHAN W

England -

Academy

Leicester

Academy

Bristol

Billy TWELVETREES

Charlie CHAPMAN SH

C C

England

Stephen VARNEY 21

Academy

Wasps

ONE TO WATCH

Danny CIPRIANI FH

England

Lloyd EVANS FH

Jason WOODWARD 24

Academy

Newcastle

Crusaders

Leicester

loan

Academy

Wasps

Academy

Chris HARRIS C

Scotland

Willi HEINZ SH

England

Tom HUDSON FB

Jonny MAY W

England

Kyle MOYLE FB

Louis REES-ZAMMIT W

Wales

Tom SEABROOK W

Charlie SHARPLES W

England

Joe SIMPSON SH

England

Ollie THORLEY W

England

A World Junior champion with New Zealand Under20s in 2010, Jason Woodward began his pro career at Wellington Lions - scoring three tries on his debut - and then played in Super Rugby with Melbourne Rebels and the Hurricanes before joining Bristol. He moved to Gloucester in 2016/17 and was part of the England training squad in his first year.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

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

Ruan ACKERMANN BR

South Africa

Golden Lions

Leicester

Academy

Northampton

Stormers

Bath

Northampton

London Irish

Melbourne

Leicester

Academy

Fraser BALMAIN P

MATIAS ALEMANNO L

Argentina

Jaguares

Freddie CLARKE BR

Jack CLEMENT BR

Alex CRAIG L

Jamal FORD-ROBINSON P

Corne FOURIE P

Matt GARVEY L

Jamie GIBSON Fl

Todd GLEAVE H

James HANSON H

Australia

Jordy REID

Cameron JORDAN L

England Italy

Scarlets

Academy

England

loan

Leicester

Edinburgh

loan

Academy

Jay TYACK 25

Hartpury

Val RAPAVA-RUSKIN P

Ealing

Jack STANLEY

Jake POLLEDRI BR

Ed SLATER

Ben MORGAN BR

Jack SINGLETON

Lewis LUDLOW BR

Alex SEVILLE

Ciaran KNIGHT P

A regular colleague of Tigers lock Tomas Lavanini in the Argentina line-up, Matias Alemanno made his Gloucester debut during September after a move from the Jaguares. He won his first Test cap in 2014.

Henry WALKER 28

Worcester

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

THE BIG MATCH Tigers welcome Gloucester Rugby in the opening game of a new season

A history of rivalry dating back into the 19th Century can hardly split Tigers and todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visitors, with just one win separating their records in the previous 225 meetings. Gloucester were the ninth visitors to Welford Road after it opened in 1892 and arrive today to mark the 2,500th first-team fixture at the iconic venue. The win count stands at 109-108 in their favour in previous meetings, with 111 of those games played at Welford Road. Tigers won just once in the last five rounds of 2019-20 - against Northampton in September - and are chasing a first Round 1 win since 2016. Gloucester were given a victory when their Round 22 match against Northampton was cancelled, but had lost three in a row after beating London Irish at the start of September. Their only away win in any competition in the past 12 months was at Worcester in Round 14 last season. The last eight fixtures between the two clubs in all tournaments have been won by the home side on the day, while Gloucesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent success at Welford Road came in October 2007.

FROM BOTH SIDES Second-rower Jim Hamilton played 60-odd games for both Tigers and Gloucester, plus 63 times for Scotland, as well as having spells with Edinburgh, Montpellier and Saracens in a 15-year professional career. He joined the Tigers' academy ranks after playing junior rugby with Barkers Butts in Coventry - after initially excelling at basketball - and was part of the squad that won a league and cup double in 2006-07.

LAST FIVE PREMIERSHIP MEETINGS 2019-20

2019-20

2018-19

2017-18

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

ELSEWHERE IN ROUND 1 Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs Harlequins set the ball rolling on the new season with a Friday evening fixture against defending champions Exeter Chiefs. Curiously, Quins’ last five league games have all been won by the away side on the day. Quins' record at Twickenham Stoop since the return to rugby is won three, lost two. Exeter Chiefs begin the defence of their title less than a month after lifting the trophy at Twickenham. They lost their last three regular season games in 2019-20 before going on to win Premiership and European crowns. Their last win at The Stoop was in May 2018.

Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints

of August. They have, though, lost on opening weekend in each of the past two seasons, both at Bristol Bears. Newcastle Falcons return to the top flight after winning every game in level two last season. Their last Premiership win was against Sale at St James’ Park in March 2019, but they enjoyed a run of four consecutive wins over Bath until losing at The Rec in February 2019.

Worcester Warriors v London Irish Worcester enjoyed back-to-back wins before being given the points from cancellation of their Round 22 game against Sale last season. They have lost just one of their last five meetings with London Irish, while the Exiles last won at Sixways in 2013.

Sale Sharks have lost just one of their last seven matches but have won only once in Round 1 in the last nine seasons. They have lost just one of their last six league meetings with today’s rivals - 17-67 at Franklin’s Gardens in February 2019.

Irish have won just once since February - at Exeter in Round 21 last season - but have won on the opening weekend in their last two Premiership seasons.

Northampton Saints have lost their last seven games since beating London Irish at The Stoop in August. They beat Saracens on the opening weekend last season to end a run of four successive Round 1 defeats. Their most recent win at the AJ Bell in the league was in March 2017.

Wasps won seven in a row in the Gallagher Premiership before defeat by Exeter in the final at Twickenham last month. They have lost just once at home this year.

Bath Rugby v Newcastle Falcons Bath’s only defeat in the last nine rounds of regular league action was at home to Wasps at the end

Wasps v Bristol Bears

Bristol Bears lost just once in their last six games of 2019-20 and that was at Wasps in the semi-final. They have also lost the last 10 league meetings between the teams and are chasing a first win over Wasps since 2006. Bears have won on opening day in each of the last two seasons.

GR E AT

PARTNER S HIPS ...

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

FIXTURE LIST 2020-21 Date

Opposition

H/A

Competition

NOVEMBER 2020 Sat Nov 21

3.00

Gloucester Rugby

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R1

Sun Nov 29

4.15

London Irish

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R2

Sun Dec 6

3.00

Exeter Chiefs

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R3

Fri Dec 11

7.45

Brive

European Challenge Cup 1

Sat Dec 19

9.00

Bayonne

European Challenge Cup 2

Sat Dec 26

2.00

Newcastle Falcons

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R4

Sun Jan 3

3.00

Bath Rugby

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R5

Sat Jan 9

4.30

Northampton Saints

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R6

Fri Jan 15

7.45

Bayonne

European Challenge Cup 3

DECEMBER 2020

JANUARY 2021

w/e Jan 23

Brive

European Challenge Cup 4

w/e Jan 30

Sale Sharks

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R7 Gallagher Premiership Rugby R8Â

FEBRUARY 2021 Worcester Warriors

w/e Feb 13

w/e Feb 6

Harlequins

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R9

w/e Feb 20

Wasps

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R10

w/e Feb 27

Bristol Bears

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R11

MARCH 2021 London Irish

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R12

w/e Mar 13

w/e Mar 6

Gloucester Rugby

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R13

w/e Mar 20

Exeter Chiefs

Gallagher Premiership Rugby w/e R14

w/e Mar 27

Newcastle Falcons

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R15

w/e Apr 3

European Challenge Cup Round of 16

w/e Apr 10

European Challenge Cup QF

APRIL 2021

w/e Apr 17

Bath Rugby

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R16

w/e Apr 24

Northampton Saints

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R17

European Challenge Cup SF

w/e May 8

Sale Sharks

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R18

w/e May 15

Harlequins

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R19

MAY 2021 w/e May 1

Fri May 21

European Challenge Cup Final

Worcester Warriors

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R20

Bristol Bears

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R21

Wasps

Gallagher Premiership Rugby R22

w/e June 19

Gallagher Premiership Semi-Final

w/e June 26

Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final

w/e May 29 JUNE 2021 w/e June 5 w/e June 12

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

NAME Sam ASPLAND-ROBINSON Greg BATEMAN Joe BATLEY Ifereimi BOLADAU Ryan BOWER Cyle BRINK Ollie CHESSUM Charlie CLARE Jordan COGHLAN Dan COLE Gaston CORTES Sam COSTELOW Kyle EASTMOND Blake ENEVER George FORD Andrew FORSYTH Ellis GENGE Facundo GIGENA Taylor GOUGH Calum GREEN Tom HARDWICK Sam HARRISON Cameron HENDERSON Zack HENRY Joe HEYES Owen HILLS Jonah HOLMES Rory HUGHES Cameron JORDAN Sione KALAMAFONI Dan KELLY Jake KERR Tomas LAVANINI Henri LAVIN Jonny LAW Nephi LEATIGAGA Sam LEWIS

COMPLETE STATS 2019/20 APPS TRIES 2 10+5 1 3+2 4+8 1+2 3 4+9 1 7+4 1 16+3 1+2 1+2 11 2 4+1 12+1 1 7+2 2 11+3 1 9+13 18+2 11+7 4+5 2+3 2 5+3 14+10 14+1 8 4 0+2 14+1 2+1 6+12 2 17+2 0+1 4+25 1 6+5 2

PTS 5 5 5 10 139 10 5 96 10 31 40 10 5 10

APPS 8+6 48+43 3+2 4+8 3+7 3 4+9 7+4 186+56 2+8 1+2 28+3 4+1 81+15 22+13 58+19 15+29 0+1 32+9 16+16 77+101 2+3 5+3 19+27 0+1 40+5 4 2+3 63+1 2+1 15+29 17+2 0+1 0+2 4+25 10+11

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 7 1 1 3 3 8 4 7 1 8 2 24 7 2 1 2

PTS 35 5 5 15 15 900 20 35 5 121 44 10 31 120 35 10 5 10

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

NAME Hanro LIEBENBERG Keston LINES Shalva MAMUKASHVILI Johnny McPHILLIPS George MARTIN Jonny MAY Kini MURIMURIVALU Nemani NADOLO Jordan OLOWOFELA Tatafu POLOTA-NAU Guy PORTER Harry POTTER Tommy REFFELL Noel REID Matt SCOTT Harry SIMMONS Thom SMITH Will SPENCER Jimmy STEVENS Freddie STEWARD Jordan TAUFUA Jaco TAUTE Joe THOMAS Guy THOMPSON Adam THOMPSTONE Manusamoa TUILAGI Jack VAN POORTVLIET Kobus VAN WYK Telusa VEAINU EW VILJOEN Luke WALLACE Harry WELLS Ben WHITE David WILLIAMS George WORTH Ben YOUNGS Tom YOUNGS

COMPLETE STATS 2019/20 APPS TRIES 13+2 1 0+1 0+1 2+6 1 2+1 5 6 3 5 2 11+3 3 4+10 4+1 5+1 2 14+7 2 13+6 4 6 1 4+6 4+5 11+2 1 0+1 8+2 2 9+5 3 10+2 5+1 10+3 2 10+2 2 5 1 3+1 1 11+1 3 4 5+3 1 19+9 13+14 5 3+1 1 15+11 1 12+2 1 19 2

PTS 5 0+1 20 30 10 15 10 10 45 5 5 13 15 10 10 5 15 5 25 5 5 5 10

APPS 13+2 0+1 2+6 2+1 44 3 5 30+11 18+28 4+1 5+1 17+11 13+6 6 8+14 5+5 29+4 2+9 8+4 9+5 10+2 5+1 25+8 143+20 119+10 3+1 1 71+8 4 5+3 50+49 25+37 3+1 41+21 202+50 154+40

TIGERS TOTAL TRIES 1 1 30 2 6 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 7 38 41 32 1 3 6 1 3 37 18

PTS 5 20 150 10 30 10 15 45 5 10 5 13 15 35 190 205 160 5 15 30 5 25 205 90

SEASON STATS 2019-20 Date Comp

Opponents

ATTACK Att

DEFENCE

Result

D Pos

ASPLAND-ROBINSON BATEMAN BATLEY BOLADAU BOWER BRINK CHESSUM CLARE COGHLAN COLE CORTES COSTELOW EASTMOND ENEVER FORD FORSYTH GENGE GIGENA

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

SEPTEMBER 2019 Sat 21

PRC

Worcester Warriors

Fri 27

PRC

Exeter Chiefs (7:45pm)

6,037 13-31 ● 23-57

13,633 17-07 ● 27-07

5 5

OCTOBER 2019 Sat 5

PRC

Bath Rugby

13,190 15-00 ● 18-07

Sat 12

PRC

Northampton Saints

16,160 10-14 ● 22-31

Sat 19

GPR

Worcester Warriors

● 16-24

Sun 27

GPR

Saracens

18,533 10-14 ● 10-24

17,559 10-06 ● 16-13

● 11-36

15,250 24-13 ● 41-20

7,740 13-15

NOVEMBER 2019 Sat 2

GPR

Gloucester Rugby

Sun 10

GPR

London Irish (2:30pm)

Sat 16

ECC

Pau

Sat 23

ECC

Cardiff Blues (8:00pm)

Sat 30

GPR

5,324 13-15

7,122 08-11 ● 14-11 1

Northampton Saints

15,200 10-24 ● 13-36 1

15,073 24-13 ● 59-07

2,500 08-11 ● 20-13

DECEMBER 2019 Sat 7

ECC

Rugby Calvisano

Sat 14

ECC

Rugby Calvisano (1:30pm)

Sat 21

GPR

Exeter Chiefs

21,219 22-14 ● 22-31 3

Sat 28

GPR

Harlequins (4:30pm)

75,500 06-13 ● 30-30 3

5 7 5

JANUARY 2020 Sat 4

GPR

Bristol Bears (1:00pm)

19,807 21-06 ● 31-18

Sun 12

ECC

Cardiff Blues (3:15pm)

16,538 10-14 ● 30-20

Sat 18

ECC

Pau (1:00pm)

● 17-24

Sat 25

GPR

Bath Rugby

14,029 03-05 ● 10-13

23,353 03-06 ● 18-09 2

6,124 07-24

FEBRUARY 2020 Sat 15

GPR

Wasps

Fri 21

GPR

Sale Sharks (7:45pm)

Sat 29

GPR

Worcester Warriors

Saracens (1:00pm)

18,268 08-08 ● 14-08 1

7,208 03-19 ● 03-36

MARCH 2020 Sat 7

GPR

5,500 06-07 ● 13-24

AUGUST 2020 Sat 15

GPR

Exeter Chiefs (2:00pm)

- 06-12 ● 13-26

Sat 22

GPR

Bath Rugby (4:30pm)

- 06-26 ● 16-38

Wed 26

GPR

London Irish (6:00pm)

- 10-00 ● 13-07

Sun 30

GPR

Gloucester R. (4:30pm)

- 13-36 ● 30-46 3

9 16

6 5

SEPTEMBER 2020 Sat 5

GPR

Sale Sharks

- 09-20 ● 31-40

Wed 9

GPR

Wasps (5:30pm)

- 07-14 ● 07-54

4,800 11-20 ● 19-34

Sun 13

GPR

Northampton S. (2:00pm)

- 19-10 ● 28-24

Sun 20

ECC

Castres Olympique

Sat 26

ECC

RC Toulon (8:00pm)

Wed 30

GPR

Bristol Bears (5:30pm)

- 03-21 ● 03-40

Harlequins

● 26-32

● Cancelled

OCTOBER 2020 Sun 4

GPR

11-17

TOTAL 72 49 63 5 107 84 42 1 GPR ECC PRC

Gallagher Premiership Rugby European Challenge Cup Premiership Rugby Cup

GREEN HARDWICK HARRISON HENDERSON HENRY HEYES HOLMES HUGHES JORDAN KALAMAFONI KELLY KERR LAVANINI LAW LEATIGAGA LEWIS LIEBENBERG LINES McPHILLIPS MAMUKASHVILI MARTIN MAY MURIMURIVALU NADOLO OLOWOFELA POLOTA-NAU PORTER POTTER REFFELL REID SCOTT SIMMONS SMITH SPENCER STEVENS STEWARD TAUFUA TAUTE THOMAS THOMPSON THOMPSTONE TUILAGI VAN POORTVLIET VAN WYK VEAINU VILJOEN WALLACE WELLS WHITE WILLIAMS WORTH B.YOUNGS T.YOUNGS PENALTY TRY

GIGENA

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

2 5

Started match 5

5 5

Used as a replacement

Bench (not used)

8 10 7

5 10 5 5

10 5

3 5

5 6

5 Points scored in match

5 5

5 5 5

11 5 5 5

5 5

9 5 5

5 5 5 5

10 5 5 5

5 5

3 5

8 5

5 1

5 5

5 2

All kick-off times 3pm unless stated otherwise All UK times

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

SAT 5 DECE M B E R

LCFC Matchday Ad - A5 - 148x210mm.indd 1

SAT 16 JAN UARY

16/11/2020 13:22

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

SNAPSHOT 2019-20 A season lasting 12 months brought its fair share of changes and challenges for everyone, including the Tigers. Here is a quick recap on some imagery and statistics.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

MOST STARTS: HARRY WELLS 19 TOM YOUNGS 19 CALUM GREEN 18

MOST APPEARANCES: NEPHI LEATIGAGA 29 HARRY WELLS 28 BEN WHITE 27

MOST POINTS: GEORGE FORD 139

MOST TRIES: JONAH HOLMES 8

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

– LAST TIME OUT – LEICESTER TIGERS 26-32 HARLEQUINS Sunday October 4, 2020 / Gallagher Premiership Round 22 Attendance: Closed doors / Referee: Mr Matthew Carley LEICESTER TIGERS 15 Freddie Steward 14 Kobus Van Wyk 13 Kini Murimurivalu 12 Matt Scott 11 Nemani Nadolo 10 George Ford 9 Ben Youngs

T T C/3P

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ellis Genge Tom Youngs (c) Dan Cole Harry Wells Calum Green Luke Wallace Tommy Reffell Hanro Liebenberg

A 12-month campaign finally came to an end as Tigers hosted Harlequins in the ninth league fixture since the season’s restart in August. An early score from Tom Youngs put Tigers in a good position but an interception try from Alex Dombrandt got Quins back into the game. And when Joe Marchant stretched out to score right on half-time, the visitors led 17-11 at the break, chasing a third successive away win in the league. Nemani Nadolo’s try, forcing his way over on the left, and a touchline conversion from George Ford put Tigers in front again at the start of the second half. However, the lead was lost with a smart finish in the corner from Marchant and then James Lang scored a fourth to stretch the lead to 11 points. Matt Scott claimed his first try for Tigers in an attack off a strong scrum to set up the prospect of a fightback in the closing 10 minutes, and Kobus Van

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Charlie Clare Ryan Bower Nephi Leatigaga Blake Enever Thom Smith Jack Van Poortvliet Zack Henry Jaco Taute

HARLEQUINS: Morris, Marchant, Lang, Esterhuizen, Earle, Herron, Care; Els, Head, Kerrod, Lamb, Young, Robshaw (c), Evans, Dombrandt. Reps: Musk, Thomas, Louw, Cavubati, Lawday, Landajo, Tapuai, Lynagh

Wyk almost had a dream debut as he reached out in the right-hand corner before the referee checked a foot in touch and the final chance had gone. NOTEBOOK… Tigers knew they would end the season in 11th place in the table for a second successive season even before kick-off… Kobus Van Wyk made his debut… Chris Robshaw led out the visitors in his 300th and final game for the club while Louis Lynagh, son of World Cup winner Michael, made his Premiership debut off the bench. QUOTE... “In parts we showed some glimpses but it is frustrating - we left points out there and we lost by six.” Geordan Murphy

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

Andrea Pinchen

FROM THE BOARDROOM

Your support is key in testing times

Chief executive officer Andrea Pinchen kicks off her first full season as CEO and looks forward to 2020-21. It’s a virtual welcome to the new-look Mattioli Woods Welford Road this afternoon for the start of the new 2020-21 Premiership Rugby campaign. It only feels like five minutes ago we were saying goodbye to the longest season in club rugby history, but the rugby is back and everyone at the club is excited about what this new season can bring. Unfortunately, supporters are still unable to join us in person as staff once again carry out the nowfamiliar Covid-secure protocols ensuring the safety of players, coaches, staff and media. Your support from home can still be felt in the changing rooms and a huge thank you to everyone who has bought a 2020-21 season ticket or continues to support us in your own way. Your backing is vital to us and we all appreciate your generosity at a time where you’d be forgiven for prioritising other things. Similarly, you may have noticed a number of new and extended partnership deals announced in the off-season. Thank you to all our club partners for your continued support.

With the rugby now front and centre once again, Steve and his team are more than ready for the challenges a new season brings. The impromptu closing of Oval Park meant the team had to adapt their preparations, something in the current climate we are now used to. We control what we can and adapt where necessary. As Steve has said previously, it’s how you adapt that counts. A welcome to today’s visitors Gloucester Rugby who, like every club, has had to adapt to a ‘new normal’. It was just under one year ago that we last met on home soil, with Tigers taking the points on the day. Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Geordan Murphy who left his DOR role with the club last week. I’ve known Geordan since the start of my time here at Tigers and his passion for the club for more than two decades, as a player and as a coach, is unrivalled. Thank you Geordie. 2020-21. Here we go and please stay safe and look after each other wherever you may be watching the game.

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

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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

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MIKE FORD Position: Assistant Coach

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JAN McGINITY Position: Head of Elite Performance Recruitment

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TERESA CARRINGTON Position: Team Manager

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SIMON BARBOUR Position: Head of Analysis

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

SAM ASPLAND-ROBINSON

JOAQUIN DIAZ BONILLA

RYAN BOWER

CYLE BRINK

Position: Wing

Position: Fly-half

Position: Prop

Position:

Born: 03/01/97

Born: 02/04/89

Born: 25/02/91

Born: 16/01/94

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.86m /6ft 1in

Height:

Weight:

94kg/14st 8lb

Weight:

/17st 2lb

Weight:

Back row

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

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CHARLIE CLARE

JORDAN COGHLAN

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DAN COLE

LUAN DE BRUIN

Position: Hooker

Position:

Back row

Position: Prop

Born: 16/12/91

Born: 30/10/92

Born: 09/05/87

Born:

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Height:

1.95m/6ft 4in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3in

Height:

Weight:

110 kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

113kg/17st 11lb

Weight:

123kg/19st 5lb

Weight:

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

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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

Born: 12/10/91

Born: 16/03/93

Born: 16/02/95

Born: 15/09/94

Height:

/6ft 7in

Height:

1.78m/5ft 10in

Height:

1.86m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.83m/6ft 0in

Weight:

/17st 1lb

Weight:

86kg/13st 7lb

Weight:

117kg/18st 6lb

Weight:

111kg/17st 6lb

Honours: Australia

Honours: England

Honours: Argentina

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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:

/6ft 0in

Height:

1.93m/6ft 4in

Weight:

119kg/18st 12lb

Weight:

94kg/14st 13lb

Weight:

/14st 0lb

Weight:

126kg/19st 12lb

ACADEMY GRADUATE

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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

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HANRO LIEBENBERG Position:

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SHALVA MAMUKASHVILI

JOHNNY McPHILLIPS

MATIAS MORONI

Back row

Position: Hooker

Position: Fly-half/Centre/Full-back

Position: Centre/Wing

Born: 10/10/95

Born: 02/10/90

Born: 13/03/97

Born: 10/07/91

Height:

1.97m/6ft 5 in

Height:

/5ft 11in

Height:

1.80m/5ft 11in

Height:

Weight:

110kg/17st 4lb

Weight:

/16st 9lb

Weight:

89kg/14st 0lb

Weight:

Honours: Georgia

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

KINI MURIMURIVALU

NEMANI NADOLO

JORDAN OLOWOFELA

GUY PORTER

Position: Full-back/Wing

Position: Wing/centre

Position: Wing/full-back

Position: Centre/Wing

Born: 15/05/89

Born: 31/01/88

Born: 17/04/98

Born: 23/01/97

Height:

/5ft 9in

Height:

/6ft 5in

Height:

1.88m / 6ft 2in

Height:

/6ft 1lb

Weight:

/13st 5lb

Weight:

/19st 5lb

Weight:

92kg / 14st 7lb

Weight:

/15st 1lb

Honours: Fiji

Honours: Fiji ACADEMY GRADUATE

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HARRY POTTER

TOMMY REFFELL

Position: Wing Born: 15/12/97 Height: Weight:

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MATT SCOTT

HARRY SIMMONS

Position: Flanker

Position: Centre

Position: Scrum-half

Born: 27/04/99

Born: 30/09/90

Born: 25/11/97

/6ft 1in

Height:

1.84m / 6ft 0in

Height:

/6ft 1in

Height:

1.81m/5ft 11in

/14st 13lb

Weight:

103kg / 16st 3lb

Weight:

/15st 12lb

Weight:

90kg/14st 2lb

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

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

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

JORDAN TAUFUA Position:

JACO TAUTE

KOBUS VAN WYK

LUKE WALLACE

Back row

Position: Centre/Full-back

Position: Wing

Position: Flanker

Born: 29/01/92

Born: 21/03/91

Born: 22/01/92

Born: 02/10/90

Height:

1.87m/6ft 1in

Height:

1.91m/6ft 3 in

Height:

/6ft 3in

Height:

/6ft 0in

Weight:

108kg/17st 0lb

Weight:

108kg/17st 0lb

Weight:

/15st 6lb

Weight:

/15st 11lb

Honours:

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South Africa

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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: /

Weight:

110kg/17st 5lb

Weight:

87kg/13st 11lb

Weight:

116kg/18st 5lb

Weight: / Honours: England

ACADEMY GRADUATE

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

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

Honours: England/Lions

ACADEMY GRADUATE

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

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

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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

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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

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

TIGERS REMEMBER THE FALLEN In usual circumstances, Leicester Tigers would mark Armistice Day on matchday. And, although this year’s occasion fell out of season due to the calendar changes in this unique year, the club are proud of its historic links with the Armed Forces and took the opportunity to remember those who had given their lives in conflict. The research of club historian Stuart Farmer has recently added three more names to the list of Tigers lost in conflict, to take the total to 50 across two World Wars. The list sadly shows 23 Tigers lost in World War One, including the England international Frank Tarr, and 27 in World War Two serving with the Royal Force, Royal Navy and in the Army. The club History Book compiled by Stuart and journalist David Hands records the details of the club’s efforts during global conflict. 1914-15

Britain’s declaration of war against Germany on August 4, 1914, saw rugby activities ceased, with many of the players joining the military, and stalwart Tom Crumbie helping to support the region’s recruitment for active service. The club’s home was loaned to the Army and formed the headquarters for two artillery units and a pioneer corps. 1918-19

Just six weeks after the Armistice was signed, the club hosted its first post-war match. Percy Lawrie become the club’s leading try scorer of all-time as Tigers beat a Leicestershire Regiment XV 6-5 and remains the club’s record scorer, finishing his career in 1924 with 206 tries.

1939-40

The team had won 20 of the 36 matches in 1938-39 before rugby closed down for the second time in 25 years after a single fixture in the 1939-40 season, one day before the declaration of war with Germany. 1945-46

As conflict in Europe ended in May 1945, club officials met to discuss the club’s future. The roof of the Crumbie Stand had been hit during air raids, there was a collapsed wall at the Welford Road end and military use had damaged floors in the clubhouse. As Tigers rebuilt, they finished the 194546 season with 16 wins, two draws and 16 defeats. With plans for a Leicester Tigers Foundation Heritage Monument at Mattioli Woods Welford Road still in the pipeline, the Foundation needs your support. To support, donate or find out how you can get involved, see LeicesterTigers.com

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

LEICESTER TIGERS

COMMUNITY TEAM An update at the start of a new season highlighting how the Community Team have been engaging during the Covid-19 pandemic.

From a virtual Well-Being Week on the club website to Zoom workshops, the Community Team at Tigers have had to think outside the box when delivering some of the club’s most popular initiatives. Unfortunately some of our programmes, including NBS Tag Rugby, The Swifts community club, Prima Tiger Cup and Tigers Rugby Camps, have had to be postponed in line with guidelines on health and welfare. And restrictions in schools have also meant that Tigers have been unable to deliver the usual opportunities for youngsters. But, as always, the Community Team is here for you and working hard to find ways to interact where contact may not be allowed. Here is a spotlight on some of the work they have been doing working with individuals, groups and clubs: • Fans told us their own stories, with Nima Suchak and her family sharing how rugby has become a part of their lives, while Guangzhou Rams RFC president Kevin Lowe got in touch from China to tell us how his club have been raising money to help the homeless. • We’ve shared interviews with our Global Partner Clubs throughout the world, seeing how they have coped with the pandemic and their plans for the future. • Tigers groundstaff have been making strides at club partner Brooksby Melton College as they look to renovate their grounds and incorporate brand new rugby-purpose pitches.

• The Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Team players were finally able to train together for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic back in March, before the news of a second national lockdown. Local business Stearn Electric Nottingham also donated face masks to the Leicester Tigers Foundation, helping the team to restart their training. • Leicester Tigers sports development officer Charlie Hurley has been leading virtual fitness sessions from his living room for groups with special educational needs and disabilities. • The club is reaching out to the business community to help support The Swifts programme which creates opportunities for under-represented youngsters in Leicester and Leicestershire to take part in rugby. If you think you could help, contact the Community Team by emailing scott.clarke@ tigers.co.uk

SUPPORTING TIGERS’ COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

Supported by

Supported by retailers NEXT, the Junior Tigers Club is THE place for young fans to celebrate their support of Leicester Tigers. Membership is free to supporters aged under-16. Sign up at www.leicestertigers.com/jtc

Forwards role Name the two front-row forwards in this photo.

out of order Put these players in order of Test caps gained, starting with the highest.

TOMÁS LAVANINI ELLIS GENGE DAN COLE NEMANI NADOLO

5 to Tackle 1. Against which team did Ben Youngs win his 100th England cap last month? 2. What colours do Gloucester Rugby wear in home games?

Did you know? Fly-half George Ford made his debut for England Under-18s when he was just 15. He later captained the 18s, was capped at 20s level and is in line for a 70th Test cap today.

3. Former Tigers fly-half Freddie Burns is an England international, but for which country did brother Billy make his debut last week? 4. Which team do Tigers face in the league next weekend? 5. In what position did Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick play for England?

Answers: Forwards role: Shalva Mamukashvili & Ryan Bower; Five To Tackle: 1 Italy, 2 Red & white, 3 Ireland, 4 London Irish, 5 Lock; Out of order: Cole, Lavanini, Nadolo, Genge.

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LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

Tigers History

NOV

ON THIS DAY 1885

Five-year-old Leicester FC won 1-0 (a try from W Leakey) at Bedford School.

1931

Harry Wilkinson, Jacky Braithwaite and Billy Foreman - who totalled 900 appearances between them in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early years - all scored in a 19-0 win over Coventry. After four defeats before the end of October, the team lost just twice more in the remaining six months of the season.

Tigers made another fruitless trip to Wales, losing 11-0 at Swansea. Ewart Farndon, scorer of 30 tries in the 1929/30 season, made his final appearance for the club. The team featured all seven Leicester players who had lined up for Leicestershire and East Midlands, who a week earlier had become the only team to beat the touring South Africans in front of a 25,000 crowd at Welford Road.

1898

1953

1896

Scrum-half Jacky Braithwaite scored the only try in a 5-3 midweek win over Treherbert, a mining village in the Rhonda Fawr valley, just two days after a 20-0 defeat at Swansea. Twelve of the team started both games. 1903

Tigers lost 11-0 in front of an 8,000 crowd at Swansea. 1925

Dr Joseph Moore was the tryscorer in a 6-0 win over United Services at Welford Road.

Jerry Day, who would later spend 16 years as Honorary Secretary, made the last of his 76 appearances in defeat at Nuneaton. 1959

A try from Peter Konig and the kicking of Mike Gavins secured an 8-3 win over Llanelly at Strady Park and a first away win over the Welsh hosts since 1900. 1964

Tigers suffered an eighth defeat in 16 games from the start of the season

as they lost 14-0 away to Rugby. 1971

A decade before completing a Cup Final hat-trick at Twickenham, Tigers lost 10-3 to Nottingham in their first-ever game in the RFU National Knockout. 1981

Nick Youngs made his debut at scrumhalf - the start of a dynasty continued by sons Tom and Ben which is approaching 600 games for the club - in a 27-18 win over Wasps.

21 Students. Teenage full-back Geordan Murphy scored a hattrick of tries and eight conversions in only his second game for the club, while Fijian wing Marika Vunibaka also ran in a hat-trick in his only appearance. Jake Boer, who became a Premiership stalwart with Gloucester, was among the other scorers.

1987

A 12-9 win over Wasps, including a drop-goal from skipper Les Cusworth, took Tigers up to second place in Courage League Division One. 1992

Tigers slipped from first to fourth place in the league after a 13-3 defeat at Bath. 1997

John Wells made the last of his 367 appearances in a 71-7 win over Loughborough

2004

Tigers stayed top of the Premiership table after extending their unbeaten run to nine games with a draw at Wasps, thanks to tries from Tom Varndell and Austin Healey. 2015

Fijian centre Seremaia Bai kicked a conversion - his final points for the club - in a 36-3 win over European rivals Treviso.

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THANK YOU #TIGERSFAMILY

It is great to know that you are still out there supporting the team and we’re keen to share your photos of #TigersAtHome on social media on matchdays until we can all be back together again. Get your colours on - whether they are the new replica kit, from the Captains Collection or an old favourite - and show your support. We’ll be keeping an eye out at every game. Take care of each other - and keep in touch with Tigers on website, app, social media and LTTV!

Tigers Lotto is still rewarding a season ticket holder with a special draw for every home game despite not being allowed into the stadium. Look out on the club’s social media pages for the name of today’s winning season ticket holder. There are more than 270 chances a year to win with TigersLotto, including the £100 draw every weekday, eight monthly £500 draws and four Mega Draws with prize value of more than £1,000. Latest winners in the £100 weekday draw are: Jane Sperryn, Oakham; Adrian Bentley, Market Harborough; Mark Hardman, Hinckley; Esther Darnell, Lutterworth; and Neil Brogden, Kettering. And by taking part you are also helping the work of the Tigers Academy in identifying and nurturing talent for a new generation of players. Membership is £52 a year and you can join online or phone the ticket office.

BIRTHDAY WISHES Happy birthday to all of our season ticket holders celebrating today. We’re sorry that you’re unable to share it at Welford Road and we look forward to seeing you again soon: • Derek Andrews • Luke Bakewell • Liz Broughton • Nigel Bullen • Carole Chamberlain

• Andrew Chamberlain • Keith Chambers • Rachel Clarke • Phillip Ellis • Lauren Horn

• Peter Rubin • Neil Stock • Catherine Tremlett

LEICESTER TIGERS v GLOUCESTER RUGBY

FanZone

THE LAST WORD SOUVENIR EDITION

We hope you enjoy your special souvenir edition of the Tigers matchday programme, whether in print format or online today. At this stage, this is the only printed version available until crowds return to the stadium and is only available in limited numbers, though the online edition will continue to be sent to season ticket holders and members, and then loaded on to the club website. If you’ve seen this online and would like a printed copy, there may still be some left via our longstanding programme partners, Ignition Sports Media. The link is on the Tigers website, issues cost £5.00, plus £1.99 postage and packing in the UK. If you missed a digital edition from the end of 2019-20, they are all still available on the club website if you want to take a look - including the pages for the cancelled game against Castres which will become a collector’s item! Our next edition will include the customary new-season introduction to additions in the squad, including Richard Wigglesworth, Jasper Wiese and Tito Bonilla. You’ll be able to get your first glimpse of the content ahead of kick-off in our Round 3 home game against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, December 6. The programme is just one way to keep in contact with the club, the players and the people behind the team. For more information, news, interviews and updates, see the website, social made pages, LTTV and the Tigers app where you can also vote for your Fans’ Favourite on matchday any time in the second half. If you have any feedback on the matchday programme, you can email your comments to tigers@tigers.co.uk

PROGRAMME CREDITS 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 Print: S&G Print Group

TA KE A WALK

IN THE S E B O OTS

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