Leicester Tigers team news | Pearson starts against Stade Rochelais

Full back George Pearson makes his first Investec Champions Cup appearance for Leicester Tigers against Stade Rochelais on Saturday (5.30pm).
 
The 19 year-old England junior international is one of several Tigers making their first European starts. 
 
They include this season's newcomers Billy Searle, Tarek Haffar, James Thompson and Joaquin Moro, along with centre Will Wand and flanker Joshua Manz.
 
Hooker Charlie Clare captains the side at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre against the 2022 and 2023 champions, who are 10th in France's Top 14 league this season.
 
"We've shown a lot of heart in our performances so far and I'm sure this side will relish the chance of taking on Stade Rochelais," said Tigers Head Coach Geoff Parling.
 
"Anyone who has pulled on the shirt has showed a mixture of their potential and a real desire to work hard for the group. 
 
"It's great to see someone like George Pearson get a chance at 15. He's a young man with a great attitude and an outstanding aerial ability."
 
Tigers head into Europe having won their last five games — against Bath, Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Red Bulls (twice).
 
Solomone Kata will reach a landmark for the club if he comes off the bench to make his 50th senior appearance.
 
Leicester Tigers

15 George Pearson (7)
14 Adam Radwan (18)
13 Will Wand (20)
12 Joseph Woodward (41)
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins (55)
10 Billy Searle (8)
9 Tom Whiteley (48)
1 Tarek Haffar (6)
2 Charlie Clare (142, captain)
3 Will Hurd (56)
4 Cameron Henderson (71)
5 Harry Wells (223)
6 James Thompson (6)
7 Joshua Manz (17)
8 Joaquin Moro (8)

Replacements
16 Finn Theobald Thomas (21)
17 Archie van der Flier (8)
18 Ale Loman (7)
19 Tom Manz (17)
20 Sam Williams (4)
21 Ollie Allan (10)
22 Charlie Titcombe (4)
23 Solomone Kata (49)