Leicester Tigers 2014/15 Thread.

[Welly]

First topic message reminder :

Current Tables Positions:
 AP: 5th
 CC: 2nd in Group 3
 LV: 1st in Pool 3 

Last Game: V Bath @ Welford Road (Won 17 - 8) (Att: 24,000)
Next Game: V Harliquins @ Twickenham Stoop (15:15 KO) Sat 10 January 2015, (Live on BT Sport)


Official 1st XV squad 2014/15: ( Injured, Internationals, Suspension, "Knocked", )
 Head Coach/DoR: Richard Cockerill
 Assistant coaches: G. Murphy, R. Blaze, P.Blake,
 Captain: Ed Slater
 Props: Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo

 Hookers: Briggs, Ghiraldini, Thacker, Youngs .

 Locks: Deacon, De Cheves, Kitchener, Parling, Price, Slater, Thorn, Peterson

 Back Row: Barbieri, Crane, Croft, Gibson, Matera, Pearce, Salvi, Whetton

 Scrum Half: Harrison, Mele, Youngs

 Fly Half: Burns, Williams

 Centres: Allen, Bai , Heptema, Loamanu, Pohe, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi ,

 Back 3: Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Hamilton, Morris, Scully, Tait, Thompstone, Bell

Development Players 2014/15:
 Oliver Bryant, George Catchpole, Jake Farnworth, Tom Hudson, Ed Milne, Will Owen, Aniseko Sio, George Tresidder, Rhys Williams.


 New Deals 2014/14
 Dan Cole (Long term)
 Marcos Ayerza (3 years)
 Tom Youngs (Long Term)
 Owen Williams
 Graham Kitchener
 Fraser Balmain
 Tiziano Pasquali
 Harry Thacker
 Riccardo Brugnara





 Transfers in 2014/15:
 Brad Thorn (Highlanders)
 Tommy Bell (Jersey)
 Jack Roberts (Rotherham Titans)
 Aaron Mauger (Canterbury Crusaders)
 Jack Whetton (ACT Brumbies)
 Greg Peterson (Manly)

 Transfers Out 2014/15:
 Paul Burke (N/A)
 Neil McCarthy (N?A)
 Mathew Tait (Bayonne)

 Rumours:
Nyanga -----> Leicester, Touion or Metro(http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 29,00.html)
Fonua ------> Leicester
Dusautoir ----> Leicester, Irish, Bath Saracens
Albacete -----> Leicester, Irish, Bath Saracens
(both https://twitter.com/pauleddison)
Liam williams -> Leicester (Rugby Paper)
Jerome Kaino --> Leicester
Willem Alberts --> Leicester (Gillingham)
Mike Williams ---> Leicester (Fissler)
Justin Tipuric --> Leicester (TRP)
 

Home tickets can be brought Here:

[b]Premiership rugby 7's[/b]:

Leicester Finish as Plate winners of the 2014 Premiership Sevens!!!!!!!!!

Pre-season games 2014 + friendlies:
 Sat Aug 16th 15:00: Nottingham v Leicester Tigers @ Lady Bay Sports Ground, Nottingham's training ground, in West Bridgford (Lost 26-19)
 Sat Aug 23th 14:00: Edinburgh V Leicester Tigers @ Melrose. (Won 10 -11)
 Fri  Aug 29th 19:30: Leicester Tigers V Cardiff Blues @ Welford Road (Won 21 - 17)
 Tues Nov 4th 19:30: Leicester Tigers V Barbarians @ Welford Road (Lost 26 - 59)

 Fixtures AP 2014/15:
R1: Saturday 06 /09/14, 15.00 – Newcastle Falcons (H) – Welford Road (Won 36 -17)   (Att: 22,639)
R2: Saturday 13/09/14, 15.15 – Exeter Chiefs (A) – Sandy Park (BT Sport) (Won 20 - 24)  (Att: 9,721)
R3: Saturday 20/09/14, 15.15 – Bath Rugby (A) – The Rec (BT Sport) ( Lost 45-0)  (Att: 12,817)
R4: Saturday 27/09/14, 15.00 – London Irish (H) – Welford Road (Lost 19-22)  (Att: 21,682)
R5: Saturday 04/10/14, 15.15 – Gloucester Rugby (A) – Kingsholm (BT Sport) (Lost 33 - 16)  (Att: 15,127)
R6: Friday 10/10/14, 19.45 – Harlequins (H) – Welford Road (BT Sport) (Won 22 - 16)  (Att: 21,510)
R7: Saturday 15/11/14 – 15.00 – Saracens (H) – Welford Road (BT Sport) (Draw 21 - 21) (Att: 21,680)
R8: Sunday 23/11/14 – 14.30 – London Welsh (A) – Kassam Stadium (BT Sport) (Won 5 - 26) (Att: 3,249)
R9: Saturday 29/11/14, 15.00 – Wasps (H) – Welford Road (Won 18 - 16) (Att: 21,907)
R10: Saturday 20/12/14 15.00 – Northampton Saints (A) – Franklin's Gardens (Lost 23 - 19) (Att: 13, 362)
R11: Saturday 27/12/14, 14.00 – Sale Sharks (A) – AJ Bell Stadium (Won 30 - 32) (Att: 11, 247)
R12: Saturday 03/01/15, 15.00 – Bath Rugby (H) – Welford Road (Won 17 - 8) (Att: 24,000)
R13: Saturday 10/01/15, 15.15 – Harlequins (A) – Twickenham Stoop
R14: Saturday 14//02/15, 15.00 – Gloucester Rugby (H) – Welford Road
R15: Saturday 21/02/15, 15.00 – London Irish (A) – Madejski Stadium
R16: Saturday 28/02/15, 15.00 – Sale Sharks (H) – Welford Road
R17: Sunday 08/03/15, 15.00 – Newcastle Falcons (A) – Kingston Park
R18: Saturday 28/03/15, 15.00 – Exeter Chiefs (H) – Welford Road
R19: Saturday 11/04/15, 15.00 – Saracens (A) – Allianz Park
R20: Saturday 25/04/15, 15.00 – London Welsh (H) – Welford Road
R21: Sunday 10/05/15, 14.00 – Wasps (A) – Adams Park
R22: Saturday 16/05/15, tbc – Northampton Saints (H) – Welford Road
Fixtures in Rounds 1-6 are confirmed. From Round 7 onwards they are subject to television selections.

 Champions Cup pool + Fixtures 2014/15:
 Pool 3
 Toulon
 Leicester Tigers
 Ulster
 Scarlets.

European Champions Cup fixtures
Round 1: Saturday, October 18 (7.45pm) Leicester Tigers v Ulster Rugby (Won 25 -18) (Att: 19,943)
Round 2: Saturday, October 25 (7.45pm) Scarlets v Leicester Tigers (Lost 15 - 3) (Att: 8,235)
Round 3: December 5/6/7 Leicester Tigers v RC Toulon (Won 25 - 21) (Att: 22,114)
Round 4: December 12/13/14 RC Toulon v Leicester Tigers (Lost 23 - 8) (Att: 15, 045)
Round 5: January 16/17/18 Leicester Tigers v Scarlets
Round 6: January 23/24/25 Ulster Rugby v Leicester Tigers

 
LV Cup

 Pool 3
Leicester Tigers
Wasps
Newcastle Falcons
Scarlets

 LV Cup fixtures
 Round 1: Saturday, November 1 (3:00PM) London Irish V Leicester Tigers (Won 16 - 17) (Att: 5,131)
 Round 2: Sunday, November 8 (3:10PM)  Leicester Tigers V Sale sharks ((Won 29 - 13)) (Att:)
 Round 3: 30/31 Jan/ 1 February Leicester Tigers V Northampton Saints
 Round 4: 6/7/8 February Cardiff blues V Leicester Tigers

 
Fixtures
Round 1 - 31 October/01/02 November: London Irish v Leicester Tigers
Round 2 - 07/08/09 November: Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks - Sunday, November 9, KO 15:15. Live on Sky Sports
Round 3 - 30/31 January/01 February: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints
Round 4 - 06/07/08 February: Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers
Semi Finals - 13/14/15 March
LV= Cup Final - 22 March (venue to be confirmed)

 

[b]A League Fixtures[/b]:

 
 Academy Squad 2014/15:
 

Spoiler:

[Welly]

@delmeparfitt
Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac confirms our story of yesterday, deal to bring Owen Williams back is being prepared.

 TBH it was always going to happen.

 IMO unless Williams has been told he will be in the 2014 world cup squad he would be better signing a 2 year deal, learn of Mauger and than at 24 give himself 2 years maybe to stamp down the welsh shirt before the next world cup.

[formerly known as Sam]

In theory. Just wait for the usual batch of injuries and then like this year we're suddenly desperate for those key players Who can make a difference in a tight game.

Would be a shame to lose Owen and I'm not certain it'd be a great move for him with Priestland and Shingler both at the Scarlets and both of whom play in a style that suits the team more than Owen. He is quickly becoming key to Tigers play which suits him and us. Be an odd move with little chance of an RWC call

[broadlandboy]

Know it will never happen but why don't the WRU speak to the PRL about an access deal?

[king_carlos]

ESPN are reporting that Gopperth is confirmed to be leaving Leinster which given rumours he could be the replacement adds even more to the story.

Interestingly it also states the suspected destination is Wasps with other European clubs interested. If he does head to Wasps could that signal a move away for Goode, possibly back to Welford Road?

[formerly known as Sam]

Goode may retire or head abroad again. I can't see us stumping up the sizeable wages he demands. Gopperth would be a woeful signing. Williams isn't the most aggressive attacking threat but at least he can get a back line moving.

If we need a replacement ten then Slade (either of them) or Jjantes would be on my wish list.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Would be a shame to lose Owen and I'm not certain it'd be a great move for him with Priestland and Shingler both at the Scarlets and both of whom play in a style that suits the team more than Owen.

If memory serves, it was his agent who advised him to move when we announced Shingler signing. Then there was the LV= Cup game against you guys when he shone, and before we knew it he was all signed up. But to be fair he was key to us making the Rabo playoffs that season and probably would have been first choice by now.

[formerly known as Sam]

Tigers had been after a tactical fly half who could kick the points. We knew Bath had tapped up Ford so we had been robbed of the home developed option. Williams was what we were after and with the squad we have we could give him a great position to play from. The Scarlets coaches only realised what they had once he'd penned a contract at Tigers.

Would he be number one though? Priestland has been the go to choice for years now with his strengths and failings well known and unchanging.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Sam, to be honest yes he would be first choice, and given the game limit of 16 matches (6 euro, 6 welsh derbies, 4 other), Priest would get a fair bit of game time too.

Anyway, Gopperth wouldn't be a bad replacement if Owen does leave. He has been very solid for Leinster.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd forgotten you Welsh regions have limits on player time. Gopperth is a bit to Staunton like for my taste. I'd rather have a ten that can control territory, kick goals and actually pass the ball. Gopperth is just too limited.

Interesting piece on Ayerza;

http://www.rugbyworld.com/countries/argentina-countries/european-champions-cup-player-analysis-marcos-ayerza-leicester-tigers/

[LondonTiger]

Great piece Sam - thanks for posting

[formerly known as Sam]

Can't take all the credit it was put up on the offy and is an interesting read so I pinched it. I didn't spot the man marking job in the game. Take that in to consideration and you start to think that man of the match vase should be residing in the Ayerza household.

[Welly]

Gopperth would be a great option as a depth player esp if owen stays and gets picked for Wales.

 But for the price would rather use burns, Bai and Byrant with maybe bell getting more time as kicker.

 trouble is I don't trust burns kicking to win us a game which is important.

[king_carlos]

Goode may retire or head abroad again. I can't see us stumping up the sizeable wages he demands. Gopperth would be a woeful signing. Williams isn't the most aggressive attacking threat but at least he can get a back line moving.

If we need a replacement ten then Slade (either of them) or Jjantes would be on my wish list.

He's still playing decent rugby so would be surprised to see him retire - let's face it fitness has never been the biggest concern of Andy's.

I'm not certain he'd get a big contract in France however. If he was willing to drop his salary demands then as a back up to Burns and an option for the winter months I'd happily have him back personally. He gets a backline moving much better than many give him credit for and his kicking is still top notch.

Also an excellent piece on Ayerza there. One of the best players in the world these days, definitely the best loosehead for my money. Really is a fantastic asset, I just wish we could get all our front row options fit.

1.Ayerza with Mulipola off the bench
2.Youngs with Ghirildini off the bench
3.Cole with Balmain off the bench

[yappysnap]

I assumed Goode would go into a player/coach/mentor role at Wasps tbh, their young 10 looks promising and could do with an old hand like him there to help him out.

[formerly known as Sam]

I heard a rumour that Quins were eying Cipriani so a move to Sale for Goode would make sense.

Bryant is a quality young player but I think he'll be a 12 long term. He's not a front line goal kicker or from what I've heard remotely close but is Allen esque in the tackle and has a great attacking skill set. I expect his development to take off once Mauger arrives.

[Welly]

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Owen-Williams-prepared-Leicester-Tigers-massive/story-25465887-detail/story.html

 from Crowson twitter the club will do everything it can to keep him.

 It's one of those things I can understand him leaving more than I did TT or Ford but I still can see him favouring Leicester. ATM. Age is on our side.

 Who is the current academy 10?


 also Catchpole scored a try for Doncaster last weekend.

 Shame he had an early season injury he would of had a chance to get some game time at 13 imo.

[doctor_grey]

I assumed Goode would go into a player/coach/mentor role at Wasps tbh, their young 10 looks promising and could do with an old hand like him there to help him out.

I always thought he would go into competitive eating:
http://www.majorleagueeating.com/

[LondonTiger]

Tommy Bell seems a quality goal kicker, and if Matty Tait is heading to France, could be a good option at FB and frees up Burns to just run the game.

[formerly known as Sam]

The academy tens are Bryant and Hargreaves. Neither have England representation though our now ex academy manager was scathing of the selection process after Bryant was omitted from the under 18s squad.

Twelvetrees left for a hefty pay rise and to be a big fish in a small pond (no competition for his place). Ford left to work with his dad and again benefit from limited competition. Williams will have more competition in Wales and will have to change his style of play but will be in a better position for the Wales 10 shirt.

[lostinwales]

Tommy Bell seems a quality goal kicker, and if Matty Tait is heading to France, could be a good option at FB and frees up Burns to just run the game.

I'd be sorry to see Tait go, but you cant help wondering if a different environment might help him to overcome the injury issues and give him a few more years at the top. If it worked for his old buddy JW....

[Welly]

The academy tens are Bryant and Hargreaves. Neither have England representation though our now ex academy manager was scathing of the selection process after Bryant was omitted from the under 18s squad.

Twelvetrees left for a hefty pay rise and to be a big fish in a small pond (no competition for his place). Ford left to work with his dad and again benefit from limited competition. Williams will have more competition in Wales and will have to change his style of play but will be in a better position for the Wales 10 shirt.

 Both not really 10's either

 Bryant as you say is more a 12.

 Hargreaves has play from what I have researched more at 15.

[Knowsit17]

In theory. Just wait for the usual batch of injuries and then like this year we're suddenly desperate for those key players Who can make a difference in a tight game.

Would be a shame to lose Owen and I'm not certain it'd be a great move for him with Priestland and Shingler both at the Scarlets and both of whom play in a style that suits the team more than Owen. He is quickly becoming key to Tigers play which suits him and us. Be an odd move with little chance of an RWC call

Given Priestland's limitations and the fact that Williams is no longer a development player as when he left, but the established flyhalf at a good club (ahead of a player in England contention, which says something), it would be a travesty if he wasn't given the chance to claim the Scarlets 10 jersey. That's IF he were to move back, which I'm not saying he will.

Also given that Biggar is currently out there on his own in terms of fly half contention for Wales, Williams would definitely have the chance to compete. Priestland is a liability, Shingler is used as utility, Patchell is injured (and being considered for a move to 15 by Hammett) and Anscombe is still green on the Welsh scene. Maybe overtaking Biggar for first choice before the WC is unlikely but that's not to say a move back in general wouldn't improve his prospects.

[George Carlin]

I assumed Goode would go into a player/coach/mentor role at Wasps tbh, their young 10 looks promising and could do with an old hand like him there to help him out.

I always thought he would go into competitive eating:
http://www.majorleagueeating.com/

Feck the rugby. This is the best/worst thing I've ever read:

New York, November 6, 2014:
Last year, World Twinkie Eating Champion Joey “Jaws” Chestnut set a Twinkie-eating world record by consuming 121 Twinkies in six minutes.

One eaten every 2.5 seconds.

[Welly]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30415984

[formerly known as Sam]

Bryant played ten all the way through the academy just don't think he's suited to that position at AP level. He played that position in the academy mainly due to Pohe and Thacker also being available.

Hargreaves I don't know much about but I think he played ten a fair bit when Bryant was injured last season. I assumed like a lot of young tens with pace he was played at fifteen to get him game time.

[king_carlos]

What's the latest on Pohe?

Is he injured or away on loan at the moment?

[Welly]

Last I heard he was injured in the Irish LV game.

 Don't know how much that has changed

[formerly known as Sam]

I thought he was out in loan at Notts? To be honest I think he might get released at the end if the season. He's not made much impact where as Bryant has looked very good and Thacker the even younger looked impressive on his cameo debut.

Pohe has the talent but not the work rate and hunger. His dad is a nice guy who's chilled out and I think Pohe is the same. He needs to find some intensity and aggression to make his mark.

[broadlandboy]

Word on the unoffy that at tonights fans forum Cockers & Owen confirmed that he is staying

[Welly]

Word on the unoffy that at tonights fans forum Cockers & Owen confirmed that he is staying

 Heard that the guy doesn't make things up either so I would take it as true.

[formerly known as Sam]

http://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/news-events/nottingham-vs-moseley-cup-2014-live.aspx

Yep, Pohe has been playing for Notts.

Owen staying is great news and should be no surprise. We've given him the platform and he's produced the goods.

[Welly]

Good to see him and Catchpole getting game time.

[king_carlos]

Great news on Owen and likewise Pohe being fit and playing for Nottingham.

On a side note I hadn't realised Campese Ma'afu was with Nottingham. Would have thought he'd have found a Premiership club!

[Welly]

RC Toulon

15. Leigh Halfpenny; 14. Delon Armitage, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Maxime Mermoz, 11. Bryan Habana; 10. Nicolas Sanchez, 9. Sebastien Tillous-Borde; 1. Alexandre Menini, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Levan Chilachava, 4. Bakkies Botha, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Juan Smith, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Chris Masoe (c)
16. Jean-Charles Orioli, 17. Florian Fresia, 18. Carl Hayman, 19. Mamuka Gorgodze, 20. James O'Connor, 21. Jocelino Suta, 22. Michael Claassens, 23. Romain Taofifenua

- - - Updated - - -

Leicester Tigers

15. Matthew Tait; 14. Blaine Scully, 13. Matt Smith, 12. Anthony Allen, 11. Vereniki Goneva; 10. Owen Williams, 9. Ben Youngs (c); 1. Marcos Ayerza, 2. Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3. Dan Cole, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Geoff Parling, 6. Jamie Gibson, 7. Julian Salvi, 8. Robert Barbieri
16. Tom Youngs, 17. Michele Rizzo, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Sebastian De Chaves, 20. Jordan Crane, 21. Tom Croft, 22. Sam Harrison, 23. Freddie Burns

[formerly known as Sam]

Well both sides are going for the maximum forward impact from the bench. I like that we are rotating some of the players, it makes sense and should help us long term. The inclusion of Barbieri and Parling makes me think Cockers is thinking that defensive work rate and targeting the breakdown may be key.

Good to see Harrison being promoted to the back up he's been excellent when Youngs has been absent and is a proper Tiger.

[lostinwales]

I guess Croft covers everything except the front row and the half backs anyway. Good to see his name appearing.

[Welly]

Going to be a brutal game.

[formerly known as Sam]

Croft is really only there to come in for Gibson. Means Gibson can go all guns blazing and not worry about lasting the full 80. I suspect Burns will cover 10/15 with Williams being shunted into the centre if required. Harrison will cover the wing though Croft on the wing with Williams love of the cross field kick...

[Guest]

6-2 split the right decision for me given how the backs have been creating very little. Playing to their strength as much as papering over the cracks. I like it. Someone give Julian White a call and we can stick him on the wing. Oh I dream of the day when we cut out the backs altogether and just have 80 minutes of scrums. In the mud, naturally.

[formerly known as Sam]

Surely you need someone in the backs to either kick it into touch or drop it for the next line out or scrum?

I'm a big Julian White fan but Cole is now superior and if we're chasing the game young Balmain is a strong option off the bench. Shame I'll have to watch the game on record and avoid the score after I finish playing.

[The Saint]

How true is it that Williams is staying? I think Gats and Wales are desperate to have him back at Scarlets to link up with Wales No.9 probables Gareth Davies and Rhodri Williams.

[Welly]

How true is it that Williams is staying? I think Gats and Wales are desperate to have him back at Scarlets to link up with Wales No.9 probables Gareth Davies and Rhodri Williams.

 I think he will stay TBH.

 I very much doubt that Gatland is desperate for him to come back TBH.

 Otherwise this would have been talked about earlier.

[formerly known as Sam]

Owen seems to have settled well. He knows he has an international pack in front of him and international backs outside (when not broken ). Big fan support and a club who want to win silverware. It makes international representation more difficult but Gatland isn't excluding those abroad just yet.

Anyway which way you spin it the regions are just feeders for Wales and unless you are dual contracted (which wouldn't be guaranteed with Priestland, Anscombe and Biggar) then the chance for earnings just isn't as big.

[Guest]

Surely you need someone in the backs to either kick it into touch or drop it for the next line out or scrum?

I'm a big Julian White fan but Cole is now superior and if we're chasing the game young Balmain is a strong option off the bench. Shame I'll have to watch the game on record and avoid the score after I finish playing.

Er, forwards will drop much more ball than your fancy backs ever will!

And of course Cole is superior to Jules, are we missing something that suggested otherwise?

[formerly known as Sam]

Well it's just that a few years back we'd be rolling out Jules for a game like this. Nice to see the academy are producing tough tight heads we can send to these bear pits confident they'll stand up to the challenge.

[stub]

Anyone bold enough to make a prediction at this point?

I hope I'm wrong but I'm going for a Toulon win but with Leicester getting a LBP.

I'll be cheering on the Tigers though!!

[stub]

Toulon looking dangerous...

[stub]

I guess everyone's in the South of France!

[Welly]

Lol.

 Just tense.

 Players look nervous a bit hopefully we will play out of it without giving Toulon a big lead.

[stub]

Phew, glad there is life out there! Yes does look a tense affair all round. Toulon look really hungry for this - bit of edge in the match after last week perhaps.

Leicester need something soon...

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