Leicester Tigers line-up for final home game

June 04, 2021
1518
Ultimate Rugby

Steve Borthwick has named the Leicester Tigers matchday squad to take on Bristol Bears at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday in the final home game of the Premiership season.

Tom Youngs will captain the team at hooker in the Tigers front row alongside props Ellis Genge and Dan Cole, with Harry Wells and Cameron Henderson in the second row.

George Martin returns to the starting line-up at blindside flanker, with Hanro Liebenberg moving to No.8 and Tommy Reffell at openside in the back row.

Ben Youngs and Johnny McPhillips are the Leicester half-backs, while Matt Scott partners Matías Moroni in the Tigers midfield.

Freddie Steward is the full-back in a back three with wings Kini Murimurivalu and Harry Potter.

Julián Montoya is in line to make his return from injury after being included on the Tigers bench alongside James Whitcombe, Joe Heyes, Tomás Lavanini and Jasper Wiese as the replacement forwards.

Scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth is named as a backs replacement alongside Zack Henry and Nemani Nadolo, and is in line to become the first player in the competition’s history to make 300 Premiership appearances.

Previewing Saturday’s fixture, Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Bristol are a superb side and have a star-studded squad at their disposal which they have heavily invested in over a number of seasons.

“They are the best team in the country and have deservedly led the league from the get-go this season and we’re aware that it will be a challenge for us on Saturday afternoon.”

Mattioli Woods Welford Road welcomes supporters to a match for the first time in more than 15 months on Saturday, which Borthwick said was “very pleasing” for the squad.

“We have missed our fans being with us at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, sharing matchdays with us over the past year, and it’s very exciting to have them back,” Borthwick said.

“I’m very pleased for the players that they get the opportunity to have this game in front of supporters and very pleased the supporters get to see this team representing them on the pitch.”

Discussing the return from injury of Montoya, Borthwick added: “It is great to welcome Julián back for Saturday’s game after a lengthy lay-off with injury.

“He was worked extremely hard and diligently in his recovery to get back to playing with his team-mates.”

Borthwick also described the potential milestone for Wigglesworth as “incredible”.

“To make 300 appearances in a competition like Premiership Rugby is an incredible achievement,” said the Tigers head coach.

“Richard has reached this feat through his determination and hunger to want to be the very best he can be and the high standards he sets himself as a professional player.

“It has been a great privilege for me to witness his hard work up close, first as a player and now as a coach.”