Leicester Tigers 18-19

by **LondonTiger** Wed 11 Jul 2018, 11:53 am

First topic message reminder :

Fixtures

Pre-Season

Saturday 11th August - Cardiff Blues (a)
Friday 17th August - Benetton Treviso (a)
Friday 24th August - London Irish (h)

Gallagher Premiership

SEPTEMBER
Saturday 1st 16:30 Exeter Chiefs (a)
Saturday 8th 15:00 Newcastle Falcons (h)
Sunday 16th 15:00 Wasps (a)
Sunday 23rd 15:00 Worcester Warriors (h)
Sunday 30th 15:00 Sale Sharks (h)

OCTOBER
Saturday 6th 15:00 Northampton Saints (a - Twickenham)

NOVEMBER
Friday 16th 19:45 Gloucester (a)
Sunday 25th 15:00 Saracens (h)
Friday 30th 19:45 Bristol (a)

DECEMBER
21/22/23 Harlequins (H)
28/29/30 Bath (A)

JANUARY
4/5/6 Gloucester (H)

FEBRUARY
15/16/17 Saracens (A)
22/23/24 Worcester Warriors (A)

MARCH
1/2/3 Wasps (H)
8/9/10 Sale Sharks (A)
22/23/24 Northampton Saints (H)

APRIL
5/6/7 Exeter Chiefs (H)
12/13/14 Newcastle Falcons (A)
26/27/28 Bristol (H)

MAY
3/4/5 Harlequins (A)
18 Bath (H)
24/25 Semi

JUNE
1st Final

European Champions Cup
12/13/14 October - Round 1
19/20/21 October - Round 2
7/8/9 December - Round 3
14/15/16 December - Round 4
11/12/13 January - Round 5
18/19/20 January - Round 6
29/30/31 March - 1/4 Finals
19/20/21 April - Semis
11th May - Final

Premiership Rugby Cup

Saturday October 27th 15:00 Saracens (a)
Saturday November 3rd 15:00 Worcester Warriors(h)
Friday November 19th 19:45 Sale Sharks
January 25/26/27 Northampton (a)
February 9th Semi-finals
March 16th Final

Squad and Coaching Team:

Head Coach: Matt O'Connor
Forwards Coach: Mark Bakewell
Assistant Coach: Geordan Murphy
Scrum Coach: Boris Stankovich
Senior Development coach: Brett Deacon
Team Manager: Teresa Carrington
Head of Rugby Operations: Ged Glyn

First Team Squad:
(as on Tigers website)

Props: Greg Bateman, Dan Cole, Gaston Cortes, Ellis Genge, Facundo Gigena, Owen Hills
Hookers: Jake Kerr, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jimmmy Stevens, Tom Youngs
Second Row: Mike Fitzgerald, Graham Kitchener, Will Spencer, James Voss, Harry Wells
Back Row: Dave Denton, Will Evans, Sione Kalamafoni, Valention Mapapalangi, Brendon O'Connor, Guy Thompson, Fred Tuilagi, Mike Williams

Half Backs: Joe Ford, George Ford, Sam Harrison, Matt Toomua, Ben Youngs
Outside Backs: Jonah Holmes, Jonny May, Gareth Owen, Matt Smith, Matthew Tait, Charlie Thacker, Adam Thompstone, Manu Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu, George Worth

Development Squad:

Forwards: Taylor Gough, Sam Grahamslaw, Joe Heyes, Cameron Jordan, Henri Lavin, Sam Lewis, Keston Lines, Harry Mahoney, Tommy Reffell, Thom Smith
Backs: Sam Aspland-Robinson, Tom Hardwicke, Jordan Olowefela, Harry Simmons, Ben White

by king_carlos Thu 11 Apr 2019, 1:03 am

yappysnap wrote:Any one seen the rumor on Twitter that Toomua has asked to be released early by Tigers? Not sure if it's true or not tbh just wondering if anyone else has heard anything?

As yet it's a wholly unsubstantiated from a twitter source with less credibility than rugby inside line - if that were possible.

On the remote chance there is a shred of fact in it then there will be lot more to the story than twitter will likely elucidate. The recent social media abuse of Tigers players - which Toomua's family were targeted in - would not have helped how Toomua feels at the club for starters.

A number of Tigers fans online are looking for an outlet given how poor the rugby has been. The latest outlet appears to be giving this tweet credibility by slinging mud at an underperforming marquee players character, because that's going to help one of the squads best players rediscover his form at a vital point in a relegation battle.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 11 Apr 2019, 8:14 am

Leicestershire has a lot of little villages and every village has their idiot...

by formerly known as Sam Thu 11 Apr 2019, 12:43 pm

Leicester Tigers (v Newcastle Falcons, Kingston Park, Friday 7.45pm)

15 Matt Toomua
14 Jonny May
13 Gareth Owen
12 Manu Tuilagi
11 Jordan Olowofela
10 George Ford (c)
9 Sam Harrison
1 Ellis Genge
2 Jake Kerr
3 Dan Cole
4 Will Spencer
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Mike Fitzgerald
7 Mike Williams
8 Guy Thompson

Replacements

16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Facundo Gigena
18 Joe Heyes
19 Harry Wells
20 Brendon O’Connor
21 Ben White
22 Sam Aspland-Robinson
23 Matt Smith

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Toby Flood (co-captain), 9 Sonatane Takulua; 1 Logovi'i Mulipola, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Rodney Ah You, 4 Calum Green, 5 Andrew Davidson, 6 Gary Graham, 7 John Hardie, 8 Mark Wilson (co-captain)

Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Sam Lockwood, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Sean Robinson, 20 Evan Olmstead, 21 Michael Young, 22 Brett Connon, 23 Johnny Williams

Sad

Looks like we're going down then.

by king_carlos Fri 19 Apr 2019, 12:10 pm

Freddie Steward, Leo Gilliland, Elliot Creed*, Tim Bitirim*, Clayton Blommetjies, Tom Hardwick, Jonny Law; Campese Ma'afu, Ross McMillan, Gaston Cortes, Cameron Gray*, Valentino Mapapalangi, Tommy Reffell, Will Evans (c), Fred Tuilagi

Replacements: Jamie Harding*, Osman Dimen*, David Feao, Thom Smith, Sione Kalamafoni, Will Findlay*, Sam Costelow, Telusa Veainu

Development side vs Saints

Fantastic boost to see TV back, good for Kalamafoni to get game time before likely coming straight back in against Bristol. Also good to see Cortes back from injury, although Heyes has lessened the impact of his absence.

It will be interesting to see if Blommetjies gets any game time before the end of the season. We'll need more back three depth for next season. I'm guessing that Sarto is injured given his continued absence though.

It's also interesting that Evans skippers the side despite his departure being announced. It's a departure from type for Tigers but not one that bothers me hugely as Evans is an academy grad and excellent player.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 19 Apr 2019, 1:54 pm

I presume Sam Lewis and Cameron Jordan are both injured. Likewise Simmonds. It's a very mobile starting pack, they might be lacking a bit of set piece nous though.

Great to see the Tongans back. Kalamafoni for his workrate and TV because we're desperate for a fullback at present. He'd be a massive boost for the final games of the season.

by king_carlos Fri 26 Apr 2019, 1:41 pm

Pat Howard has been back at the club this week helping Geordie. He's apparently due back over the summer during preseason.

Potential DOR appointment?

by formerly known as Sam Fri 26 Apr 2019, 2:11 pm

king_carlos wrote:Pat Howard has been back at the club this week helping Geordie. He's apparently due back over the summer during preseason.

Potential DOR appointment?

Now that would be some appointment. Fairly strong rumours that Mike Ford will be staying on as a coaching consultant next season possibly taking on defensive duties. Geordie will remain head coach.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 26 Apr 2019, 2:16 pm

Howard DOR, Murphy Head Coach, Ford Defence Coach could work well. Just need a forwards coach.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 26 Apr 2019, 2:24 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Howard DOR, Murphy Head Coach, Ford Defence Coach could work well. Just need a forwards coach.

We'd probably get stuck with Bakewell for another season. Unless of course Rowntree is returning, Dragons have been pursuing him but he's still based locally and his lad is in the academy.

by king_carlos Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:00 pm

Wig is contracted with Georgia through the RWC I believe. I wouldn't mind him coming back afterwards and bringing a couple of Georgian players with him though!

If Polota-Nau moves on then Tigers could do a lot worse than Shalva Mamukashvili.

It's a shame that Giorgi Tkhilaishvili's trial with Tigers didn't work out years ago either. He's developed into a defensive rock at blindside for Georgia.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:04 pm

king_carlos wrote:
It's a shame that Giorgi Tkhilaishvili's trial with Tigers didn't work out years ago either. He's developed into a defensive rock at blindside for Georgia.

I bet the commentators are pleased it did not work out.

by king_carlos Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:11 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
king_carlos wrote:
It's a shame that Giorgi Tkhilaishvili's trial with Tigers didn't work out years ago either. He's developed into a defensive rock at blindside for Georgia.

I bet the commentators are pleased it did not work out.

Bleddyn would've had his work cut out Leicester Tigers 18-19 - Page 11 1347041234

by king_carlos Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:14 pm

On a different coaching note, it's interesting that Brett Deacon has been coaching with the Highlanders. The Mauger bridges can't be completely burnt then.

Brett had a pretty turbulent couple of years going from academy coach, to breakdown specialist, to defence coach that wasn't allowed to coach defence, etc. He's highly rated as a young coach though so it's good that he's getting experience elsewhere. I hope he stays in the Tigers set-up coaching the development and academy lads with AA.

by king_carlos Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:37 pm

https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/half-term-fun-for-fans-at-open-training-session

Article on the offy about Howard visiting.

Smurf wrote:“He’s here as a friend, a former team mate and to just cast an eye over things across the whole set up at Oval Park and answer questions myself or anyone might have around making better use of all the great things we have available to us here.
“We have a coaching team with a lot of knowledge and expertise, which we added to with Mike Ford to just provide some clarity given we are a younger group of coaches than most, and Pat is not here to join that coaching team.
“He’s here for a week, as a favour to a friend, and it’s not an official appointment and he’s not the first former player or coach to visit the club and share their thoughts and won’t be the last I hope.”

Hopefully it moves into something more permanent. Would work particularly well if he has a good working relationship with Geordie.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 26 Apr 2019, 4:56 pm

Simon Cohen interview;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/1119163/Leicester-Tigers-Rugby-Premiership-Simon-Cohen

“As a club, we haven’t got the balance right since Richard Cockerill and Matt O’Connor worked together. When Matt left I don’t think we plugged the gap well enough,” said Cohen.

“The return of Matt as head coach is not an appointment that I personally would have made. I think he’s a very good coach. What makes him so good is that he is entirely focused on winning on Saturday but one of his weaknesses is that he is entirely focused on winning on Saturday too.

“Mike has made a difference. He’s a very good experienced coach and I’d like to see how his influence changes our run-in,” said Cohen.

“What is clear to me is that we need to put some experience around Geordie and help him. Mike may well be that person. We will weigh up that option alongside a number of others. But whatever happens, Geordie will remain in situ. We need that stability.”

by king_carlos Wed 01 May 2019, 5:32 pm

http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/26096659/brumbies-forward-lachie-mccaffrey-story-lesson-all

Interesting there about Lachie McCaffrey's path in through Pro rugby.

He's a good example of a Pro who has made use of every attribute he's got, plus he's a very likable bloke.

In poor back rows he was often a sole source of tenacity in defence, especially at the breakdown. Whilst he's not a player who would turn the current back row around he certainly offered the squad a lot more than several current flankers that are on much bigger wages.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 01 May 2019, 7:45 pm

king_carlos wrote:http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/26096659/brumbies-forward-lachie-mccaffrey-story-lesson-all

Interesting there about Lachie McCaffrey's path in through Pro rugby.

He's a good example of a Pro who has made use of every attribute he's got, plus he's a very likable bloke.

In poor back rows he was often a sole source of tenacity in defence, especially at the breakdown. Whilst he's not a player who would turn the current back row around he certainly offered the squad a lot more than several current flankers that are on much bigger wages.

We could do with him at 6 to help Thompson at 7 at the minute. The kind of player who would contest everything intelligently.

Interesting that he left due to lack of opportunities at home instead of the normal used the opportunities back home to get big contract overseas. Talent can be overlooked wherever it seems.

by king_carlos Wed 01 May 2019, 8:09 pm

Pocock and Hooper have formed a log jam in the back row for the Aussies to be fair. After those two they've favoured workhorses such Fardy, Higgnbotham and McMahon to complement the two opensides.

Liam Gill is a terrific openside who went overseas early due to that competition.

I'm delighted for Locky finding an unorthodox route back into Super Rugby though. He's a very hard working player who deserves his shot.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 02 May 2019, 8:52 am

Really pleased for him.

And yes we could have done with keeping him rather than cancelling his contract.

by king_carlos Fri 03 May 2019, 11:27 pm

Squad rumours I heard from Quins and Tigers fans tonight.

Quins fans seem to think that Charlie Walker is on his way back to Leicester but Luke Wallace there were more mixed rumours on.

More rumours that Denton and Jimmy Stevens will need to stop playing due to concussion problems. A real shame if that happens. Denton was a bright point in a very poor pack when he signed and Stevens looked solid in his few appearances. Charlie Clare seems a like-for-like signing.

Tigers are apparently targeting Mark Wilson, if Falcons go down, but Sale are in the running too. Tigers would seem the more in need there if Sale have signed the du Preez twins.

by **LondonTiger** Sat 04 May 2019, 6:51 am

My understanding is that Wilson is just looking for a one season loan deal.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 May 2019, 8:17 am

LondonTiger wrote:My understanding is that Wilson is just looking for a one season loan deal.

I'm expecting to hear retirements from Denton and then Smith post RWC so he could come in and replace Denton short term.

by king_carlos Sat 04 May 2019, 1:39 pm

Even a one season loan for Wilson would boost the squad massively. He's precisely what Tigers need in the back row. Consistently excellent performances, does the basics well and leads.

It's sounding like Gigena has re-signed which would be good news. He's kicked on this season since Bateman got injured, looking a solid Prem player.

Contract situations with Fitzgerald, Feao and Cortes seem up in the air.

Tombstone has now had very serious injuries to his ankle and knee, there's been little news on his recovery at all.

by king_carlos Sat 04 May 2019, 2:58 pm

Watching Bulls vs Waratahs Liebenberg looks like an absolute unit that can really cover some ground. I think he'll be a strong addition covering 6 and 8.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 04 May 2019, 10:43 pm

king_carlos wrote:Watching Bulls vs Waratahs Liebenberg looks like an absolute unit that can really cover some ground. I think he'll be a strong addition covering 6 and 8.

I've only seen highlights so far. He looks like the kind of player we need and seems to be a leader having captained his side in the Currie Cup and age grade at international.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 06 May 2019, 10:48 am

Charlie Clare first of probably 3 announcements today.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 06 May 2019, 11:09 am

Nephi Leatigaga the second.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 06 May 2019, 12:01 pm

And Lavanini the 3rd

by formerly known as Sam Mon 06 May 2019, 1:25 pm

One squad hooker, meh does a job.

One giant of a Samoan prop who can play both sides. Hopefully the next Logo Mulipola, interested to see how he turns out.

One international lock. An absolute bruiser who takes no prisoners and plays on the line. Looking forward to seeing him setting the tone for the rest of the pack. We need an edge up front and he'll definitely help with that.

by king_carlos Tue 07 May 2019, 12:22 am

Three signings that we pretty much knew were coming but good to have them confirmed.

I'm very happy with Lavanini. There are better international second rows but within the limits of Tigers no longer being first snout at the trough and not spending marquee wages I think he's what the pack needs.

1.Genge 2.Kerr 3.Cole 4.Lavanini 5.Spencer 6.Taufua 7.Thompson 8.Liebenberg
1.Bateman 2.Youngs 3.Heyes 4.Wells 5.Green 6.Denton 7.Reffell 8.Kalamafoni

Happy with that as an upgrade on this season. I'm not expecting to be a playoff side overnight but that should be a step in the right direction.

Fitzgerald confirmed as off by Geordie on Friday. He was excellent when he first signed then went off the boil in poorer sides. He was run into the ground due to lack of carriers in the pack. A good player but at 32 I'm happy to see younger and better value options brought through.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 07 May 2019, 6:54 am

Liebenberg not confirmed yet I thought.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 07 May 2019, 9:58 am

LondonTiger wrote:Liebenberg not confirmed yet I thought.

He has allegedly confirmed unofficially on social media.

I suspect there is another set of announcements post the last game of the season where the two SA lads and probably A N Other will be announced. The club are spreading it out a bit.

The signings seem to be moving us in the right direction. Adding a number of good options but no one on ridiculous money ala Toomua. I guess Ford and Manu will take the marquee spots.

Pack options for next season should be good.

1. Genge, Bateman, Gigena (rumours he's agreed a new deal)
2. Youngs, Kerr, TPN, Clare
3. Cole, Leitagaga, Heyes

The futures of Fe'ao, Ma'afu and Cortes to be confirmed. I'm surprised he haven't seen more of Fe'ao, I liked what I saw earlier in the season.

4. Spencer, Wells, Jordan
5. Lavanini, Green, Lewis

Good options with the four senior players and then the development lads will do the job in the A league with the academy graduates snapping at their heels. More weight and aggression in there for next season and more nous.

6. Taufua, Denton, Coghlan
7. Thompson, Reffell
8. Leibenburg, Kalamafoni, Tuilagi

With Fred Tuilagi looking far more streamlined we should see him more next season. The rumours of Wallace joining have gone quiet. I wonder if that will still go ahead or whether we'll use a mix of Coghlan's versatility and the development lads (who seem abrasive all rounders with Gough a more natural 7 supposedly) to cover 7. We've got a number of 7s coming through so maybe it's a case of use what we have.

by king_carlos Tue 07 May 2019, 10:48 am

From my understanding Leibenberg has confirmed he's coming but Tigers haven't announced. Similar with Jordan Coghlan who confirmed he was heading here at the Notts end of season do but the club haven't released it yet.

It sounds like another second row will be brought in now Fitz has been confirmed off. TRP saying that Tigers spoke to Donnacha Ryan which suggests a Dom Day at Sarries style signing.

I'd be happy with Feao and/or Cortes staying to round out prop depth. Particularly with Grahamslaw coming through at LH one of those THs would work well.

I've heard that Bristol are favourites to sign Wallace. I think Tigers will add one more back row. If Denton retires then a like-for-like replacement and if he doesn't then probably a backup to Thompson.

by bluestonevedder Tue 07 May 2019, 10:58 am

I heard a rumour about Luke Wallace coming to Tigers. Anyone know if this has got legs?

by king_carlos Tue 07 May 2019, 11:24 am

bluestonevedder wrote:I heard a rumour about Luke Wallace coming to Tigers. Anyone know if this has got legs?

Confirmed leaving by Quins but more likely he's going to Bristol (released two opensides) or Gloucester (lot's of quality at 6/8 but less depth at 7).

by king_carlos Wed 08 May 2019, 1:45 pm

Anthony Allen moving to Coventry as defence coach.

I hope he returns to the Tigers set-up in the near future. He's got a great rugby brain and a growing reputation as a coach.

by bluestonevedder Wed 08 May 2019, 2:20 pm

king_carlos wrote:
bluestonevedder wrote:I heard a rumour about Luke Wallace coming to Tigers. Anyone know if this has got legs?
Confirmed leaving by Quins but more likely he's going to Bristol (released two opensides) or Gloucester (lot's of quality at 6/8 but less depth at 7).

Cheers King. Certainly wouldn't say no to him at Tigers though, as he'd be a great replacement for BOC.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 08 May 2019, 2:30 pm

king_carlos wrote:Anthony Allen moving to Coventry as defence coach.

I hope he returns to the Tigers set-up in the near future. He's got a great rugby brain and a growing reputation as a coach.

Makes sense as a move. He needs to move away to develop his game a bit and gain experience. Coventry has close links to Tigers so he's not out of reach. Stanko was there for a spell as well at one point.

by yappysnap Wed 08 May 2019, 8:09 pm

king_carlos wrote:
bluestonevedder wrote:I heard a rumour about Luke Wallace coming to Tigers. Anyone know if this has got legs?
Confirmed leaving by Quins but more likely he's going to Bristol (released two opensides) or Gloucester (lot's of quality at 6/8 but less depth at 7).

I thought it was a swap between the clubs?

by formerly known as Sam Wed 08 May 2019, 8:53 pm

yappysnap wrote:
king_carlos wrote:
bluestonevedder wrote:I heard a rumour about Luke Wallace coming to Tigers. Anyone know if this has got legs?
Confirmed leaving by Quins but more likely he's going to Bristol (released two opensides) or Gloucester (lot's of quality at 6/8 but less depth at 7).

I thought it was a swap between the clubs?

More like you nicked Evans and then we talked to Wallace as a possible replacement.

by king_carlos Thu 09 May 2019, 2:14 pm

Matt Smith confirms his retirement and is simultaneously announced as new academy head coach.

A player who utilised every ounce of natural ability they had. He's been a mainstay of the squad for years and without his defensive solidity Tigers would have lost many games they won whilst shorn of international stars.

The offy announcement of Smith as academy head coach also confirms that Brett and Boris will continue in the coaching set-up next season. More than happy with that academy coaching team.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 09 May 2019, 3:34 pm

I've not see the video but he's been working with the academy this season and on one of the series charting the academy season with Tigers he gives the squad a dressing down after they've slaughtered Saints academy. It wasn't a Tigers enough performance for him and he was there setting the standards high. Could be a very good appointment and hopefully has a broader view that Thacker Snr who a few years ago was more interested in a players school than he was their ability.

by Geordie Thu 09 May 2019, 3:50 pm

Often its the players who werent so talented but made the most of what they had, that turn out ot be very good coaches / head coaches.

One to watch...

by king_carlos Thu 09 May 2019, 6:17 pm

Agreed that Smith seems a natural coach from the documentary. He's always been thought to be a very analytical player and defensive leaders tend to make versatile backs coaches. It's interesting for instance that AA has gone to Coventry as defence coach after doing a lot of work in attack with the academy backs.

Smith's retirement, though not unexpected, and Andy Forsyth signing for Coventry means that a further centre signing on top of EW Viljeon seems likely.

9.Youngs, Harrison (until December), Simmons, White
10.Ford, Hardwick
11.May, Olowofela
12.Reid, Eastmond
13.Tuilagi, Taute, EW Viljeon
14.Holmes, Aspland-Robinson
15.Veainu, Worth

I'm happy with all those players being in the squad next season but it's light on numbers. Wouldn't be surprised with further signings at fullback (Blommetjies?), wing (Walker or Thompstone re-signing?) and centre (...).

by formerly known as Sam Thu 09 May 2019, 8:37 pm

I'd heard that Thompstone was at the last home game telling fans he'd be back playing for Tigers next season.

SAP, Worth and Hardwick can all step in at centre and EWV can always step into the back three. We have got two age grade wingers and an age grade fullback coming through the academy with the fullback already having made his debut. As the come into the development squad hopefully they can curb our need to spend on the back three and free up cap for forwards. I'm not sure if Du Rant is ready to step up at centre yet or whether we can get Dunn a visa so he can take up a contract either.

by king_carlos Sun 12 May 2019, 3:29 pm

Toomua has returned to Oz, training with the Rebels and may play against the Bulls on Friday night. A signing that got me as excited as almost any Tigers have made in the Pro era but never fired consistently.

I'd like to Worth get a run out in the centres against Bath. I've thought for a while he has a skill set to be very useful at 13. I'd love to see Reffell get a start as well, he's ready for an important squad role next season.

1.Genge 2.Kerr 3.Cole 4.Wells 5.Spencer 6.Reffell 7.Thompson 8.Kalamafoni
9.Harrison 10.Ford 11.May 12.Smith 13.Worth 14.Aspland-Robinson 15.Veainu

16.Youngs 17.Gigena 18.Heyes 19.Kitchener 20.Lewis 21.White 22.Hardwick 23.Blommetjies

by formerly known as Sam Sun 12 May 2019, 7:10 pm

I'd be happy with that. I'd probably opt for BOC over Lewis on the bench. It's a game where we still need a win just for pride.

I'd also be tempted to go for Hardwick at 12 and Smith at 13 with Worth either at 15 or 22.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 15 May 2019, 2:10 pm

The ‘Class of 2019’ – departing players confirmed by Murphy
15 May 2019 14:00
Leicester Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy has confirmed the players who will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2018/19 season.

Matt Smith and Mat Tait headline the Class of 2019, after announcing their retirements from professional rugby.

Matt Toomua who made 41 appearances for the Tigers since debuting in October 2016, has returned to Australia to join Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels in a bid to gain selection to this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan after being granted an immediate release earlier this week.

Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors), Mike Williams (Bath Rugby) and Will Evans (Harlequins) will remain in the Premiership, with the trio’s moves confirmed earlier this season.

In addition to those six members of the senior squad, the club will also farewell Brendon O’Connor, Valentino Mapapalangi, Joe Ford, Fred Tuilagi and Charlie Thacker.

Meanwhile, Gareth Owen will join Newcastle Falcons after two seasons in the East Midlands and Mike Fitzgerald will make the move to Japan to join the Kamaishi Seawaves.

Front-row trio Campese Ma’afu, David Feao and Ross McMillan also move on after one year in Leicester.

In addition, the club will farewell Tigers development squad hooker Harry Mahoney.

Leonardo Sarto and Clayton Blommetjies, who joined the Tigers mid-season as injury cover in the squad, will also depart following the clash with Bath next Saturday, May 18.

by bluestonevedder Wed 15 May 2019, 2:22 pm

Did Sarto ever get a first team run out? Always thought he looked dangerous in an Italian shirt and I was excited when we signed him, but never materialised.

Any word on where Ford, Tuilagi, and Thacker are off to?

by king_carlos Wed 15 May 2019, 2:23 pm

A lot of dead weight getting cleared out if we are being brutally honest.

Interesting points to note:

In the front row Ma'afu, Feao, McMillan and Mahoney are listed but Gigena, Cortes, Stevens and Hills aren't.

Thompstone still here next season, the back three needs depth so that's good news in my opinion. Blommetjies not retained, neither is Sarto which isn't surprising given his lack of game time. It's a shame we haven't seen more of Sarto.

Fred jnr is departing after quite a few thought he was finally kicking on. I'll be interested to see if he ends up in France or with another Prem club.

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