Leicester Tigers - 2013/14 Thread

[LondonTiger]

Senior Squad

Props - Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Cole, Mulipola, Schuster, Stankovich
Hookers - Briggs, Chuter, Hawkins, Youngs
Locks - Cain, Deacon. De Chaves, Kitchener, Parling, Price, Slater
Back Row - Crane, Croft, Gibson, Mafi, Salvi, Waldrom

Scrum Halves - Harrison, Mele, Steele, Youngs
Outside Half - Flood, Lamb, Williams
Centres - Allen, Bowden, Smith, Tuilagi
Wings - Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Morris, Thompstone
Full Back - Hamilton, Tait

Coaches - Cockerill (DoR & Forwards), Blaze (Asst Forwards), Burke (Backs), Murphy (Asst Backs)


Aviva Premiership Fixtures

Sun 8 Sep 14:00 Leicester Tigers   32         Worcester Warriors 15
Sat 14 Sep 15:15 Bath Rugby  27   Leicester Tigers 20
Sat 21 Sep 15:00 Leicester Tigers  33   Newcastle Falcons 6
Sun 29 Sep 14:00 Exeter Chiefs   9   Leicester Tigers  22
Sat 5 Oct 15:15 Leicester Tigers 19   Northampton Saints  19
Sun 27 Oct 14:00 London Wasps 22   Leicester Tigers 12
Sat 2 Nov 17:30 Leicester Tigers  16   Harlequins 23
Sat 23 Nov 15:00 Leicester Tigers 20   London Irish 11
Sat 30 Nov 15:00 Gloucester Rugby 17   Leicester Tigers 22
Sat 21 Dec 15:00 Saracens  49 v   Leicester Tigers 10
Sat 28 Dec 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   Sale Sharks
Sat 4 Jan 15:00 Leicester Tigers 27  v   Bath Rugby 27
Fri 7 Feb 19:45 Worcester Warriors  22 v   Leicester Tigers 23
Sat 15 Feb 15:00 Leicester Tigers 11  v   Gloucester Rugby  8
Sun 23 Feb 15:00 London Irish  15 v   Leicester Tigers 20
Sun 2 Mar 15:00 Newcastle Falcons  18 v   Leicester Tigers 41
Sat 22 Mar 15:00 Leicester Tigers   45 v   Exeter Chiefs 15
Sat 29 Mar 15:00 Northampton Saints 16  v   Leicester Tigers 22
Sat 12 Apr 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   London Wasps Welford Road
Sat 19 Apr 15:00 Harlequins   v   Leicester Tigers Twickenham Stoop
Fri 2 May 20:00 Sale Sharks   v   Leicester Tigers Salford City Stadium
Sat 10 May 15:00 Leicester Tigers   v   Saracens Welford Road



Heineken Cup Fixtures

Friday, October 11 8pm Ulster Rugby 22  Leicester Tigers 16
Friday, October 18 8pm Leicester Tigers 34  Benetton Treviso 3
Sunday, December 8 3pm Leicester Tigers 41 Montpellier Herault Rugby 32
Sunday, December 15 4pm (local time) Montpellier Herault Rugby 14  Leicester Tigers 15
10/11/12 January 2014 Benetton Treviso 19 v Leicester Tigers 34
17/18/19 January 2014 Leicester Tigers 19 v Ulster Rugby 22
Saturday, 5th April ASM Clermont Auvergne v Leicester Tigers

[LondonTiger]

The original thread is approaching maximum posts, and we have now ended the season, so thought this was as good a time as any to start a new thread.

Will update the OP as and when we get new info.

[HammerofThunor]

You could add details of the coaching staff.

Burke back coach
Murphy assitant backs coach
Blaze assistant forwards coach

Not sure on any others

[LondonTiger]

Ta HoT, updated.

[formerly known as Sam]

Wells for the backrow. Hoping to see more of him next season.

[LondonTiger]

Wells for the backrow. Hoping to see more of him next season.

I was going to include Harry Wells, then saw that he is still an U20 next season so left him as an Academy boy.

[formerly known as Sam]

Isn't Price still 19? He's still playing with the England under 20s.

[LondonTiger]

Price turned 20 in January so has to graduate for next season, while Wells turns 20 next season.

In all honesty I expect we will see both at Nottingham and in the LV




In other news, Logo has signed an extended "long term" contract.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22730833

[yappysnap]

Burke's your new backs coach. But O'Connor coached Defense and attack didn't he? So are you not filling those specific positions, or is it being separated out amongst the others or will A. Nother be coming in?

[formerly known as Sam]

There's been rumours of us interiewing defence coaches for some time, Yappy. I think Burke will step up and take both though with Murphy taking on the kicking coaching that Burke has been doing since his retirement.

Hope so LT, I like the look of those two. Particularly Wells, he offers a blindside with mobility, lineout ability and unlike our other two 6s real aggression and presence in the tight. Could give us some nice headaches in a season or two.

[LondonTiger]

Cockers has indeed been "cited" for his behaviour at the final. With the previous suspended sentence still possibly hanging over him, he can expect a fairly lengthy touchline ban. This of course also extends to the changing room - in fact any matchday contact with the team at the ground.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd have thought this would have come out earlier if the fourth official had made a complaint. I wonder if this will be another Ackford case where all the evidence is hearsay. He has been cited for using offensive and/or abusive language. Merely shouting is not a citeable offence.

The Dragons thing was four years ago (ish) not sure that sentence still hangs over him.

All will hinge on the testimony of the fourth official.

[nathan]

I'd have thought this would have come out earlier if the fourth official had made a complaint. I wonder if this will be another Ackford case where all the evidence is hearsay. He has been cited for using offensive and/or abusive language. Merely shouting is not a citeable offence.

The Dragons thing was four years ago (ish) not sure that sentence still hangs over him.

All will hinge on the testimony of the fourth official.

it's a bit strange this coming out 9 days later, if he's done wrong then he can expect a ban.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

I appreciate Cockers hugely but his match-day shenanigans can be unworthy of the club.

Didn't he place an embargo on the players from twittering etc. to avoid embarrassment to the Tigers?

He deserves a sanction imo.

Mind you, Dorian West needs his wrist slapping as well.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'm not a fan of the Sir Alex theatrics though I do sympathize a touch as he was genuinely concerned over the safety of a player. He said he was asking the officials to go to the TMO if that's all it was he'll be fine. If he's over stepped the line he'll get a hefty ban and hopefully learn his lesson.

He's done good things at Tigers but is still a very passionate man that lives every play from the stands, he's not the only one either. West, O'Shea and Venter have all been less than reserved at times when passions run high. He does maybe need an anger management class over the summer just to help him relax a touch.

[LondonTiger]

I thought that was why he now does vikram yoga?

[Portnoy's Complaint]

I'm not a fan of the Sir Alex theatrics though I do sympathize a touch as he was genuinely concerned over the safety of a player. He said he was asking the officials to go to the TMO if that's all it was he'll be fine. If he's over stepped the line he'll get a hefty ban and hopefully learn his lesson.

He's done good things at Tigers but is still a very passionate man that lives every play from the stands, he's not the only one either. West, O'Shea and Venter have all been less than reserved at times when passions run high. He does maybe need an anger management class over the summer just to help him relax a touch.

I've no real sympathy at all. I can understand an immediate let of steam and a reactive nag in the 4th off's ear after the Lawes tackle, but Cockers presumably had the incident on screen in front of him on his laptop at full speed and in slo-mo.

I was marginal at best.

A full apology at least should have been in order asap.

[formerly known as Sam]

It depends what is said. He might have not seen the replay until after the game as I'm not sure that those laptops have necessarily got a great stream everywhere. It's more likely the are hooked up to GPS monitors and are analysing plays on a delay. Cockers thoughts might well have been more on spinal board being brought on than waiting for a slow motion replay.

It all goes back to what he actually said, if he's abused the match official then that was bloody stupid and he'll deserve the ban and should have apologized if he's merely argued with him over the decision then a handshake at the end of the game would have been adequate to show no hard feelings.

[LondonTiger]

We have drawn Ulster again

[LondonTiger]

Ouch, and Montpelier

[LondonTiger]

And Treviso again.

[formerly known as Sam]

Tough pool that. Montpellier will be a good team at home but might well rest players away, Treviso showed they are developing into a decent side this season amd Ulster are a very strong team especially at home. Must win all our home games and away at Treviso and try and grab a bonus something away. We might sneak through but we'll need to be lucky with injuries.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Really you can't want for a better draw. Yes it'll be tough but nothing we can't handle.

Everyone will have peaks troughs of injury and form on the way but every game should be a contest and unpredictable.

Better our group than Sarries'.

[formerly known as Sam]

Yeah it'd be awful to play both Connacht and Zebre. How will they cope.

Saints have got it really tough against the best of Ireland, Wales and France.

I think Gloucester have got off pretty lightly as well considering they're a fourth seed. Perpignan are losing plenty of players this season, Munster are beatable and Edinburgh crashed and burned last season and I don't see them as a big threat, especially away from home.

We'll get a good test in our group but we've developed a good squad and we'll just have concentrate on building form earlier in the season. Recently we've built the season around peaking at the end and that doesn't suit a HEC challenge. As this is the last HEC it would be nice if we won it.

[LondonTiger]

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/16673.php#.Ubt7qPmR-So

Shock, horror, that came out of the blue. Who knew that Castro was joining Toulon?

[HammerofThunor]

What a surprise.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Looking at ST seat availability.
Looks that the hard drive needs a refrag.

That should bond together a few singleton seats on offer.

[formerly known as Sam]

Castro to Toulon is no surprise and we got the compensation so oh well. Get Mulipola and Balmain moving forward.

Season tickets seem to be going well which is the basis for our continued financial security.

I think we might still get one more signing this off season. Bring on pre season.

[LondonTiger]

Congratulations to the guys who will be facing Australia on Saturday. Every one at the club should feel proud.

[nathan]

Congratulations to the guys who will be facing Australia on Saturday. Every one at the club should feel proud.

+1

Goes to show our academy is working well!

[Portnoy's Complaint]

Safe home boys.
Tigers > Lions.

[LondonTiger]

Safe home boys.
Tigers > Lions.

Whilst the start of the season may be tricky, I do believe that they will be coming back better players.

[nathan]

So Cockerills case will be heard on Monday, still don't understand why it's taking so long.

Can't help but think Ackford has something to do with it. Apparently it was him who reported it last time when Cockerill was found not guilty of using foul language aimed at the 4th official. Ironically it was the 4th officials testimony explaining that he heard foul language that got him off the hook.

Having said all that, i love the passion that Cockerill shows but he needs to calm down sometimes.

[Portnoy's Complaint]

I don't approve of this but :
+1


What makes a Tiger (fan, player, employee or coach) is the dog and devotion.
But abuse of the opposition or officials is a step too far.

I don't care who has brought Cockers to book, but he should be made to present a defence of his actions, behaviours and words.
Mind you, so should Doreen West imo.

[LondonTiger]

So Cockerills case will be heard on Monday, still don't understand why it's taking so long.

It is actually Monday week, 1st July. Crazy that something that happened in May will be heard in July.

[yappysnap]

Maybe they're all stopping to watch the Lions? Ran out of biscuits?

[LondonTiger]

Maybe they're all stopping to watch the Lions? Ran out of biscuits?

Aye, the last allocation of 2012/13 biscuits may have been exhausted at dylan's hearing - so they decided to have a summer recess and use 2013/14 budget for this session.

[yappysnap]

Makes sense, then they'll have a bigger budget for the working lunch, dinner party, wining and dining fees, Old Carthonians evening knees up etc

[nathan]

lol.

i certainly think we'll be without a DOR for the beginning of the season.

[LondonTiger]

lol.

i certainly think we'll be without a DOR for the beginning of the season.

agreed. I love Cockers passion and honesty - but he needs to tone things down. He is at risk of getting refs backs up, which would have a negative impact for the team.

[nathan]

lol.

i certainly think we'll be without a DOR for the beginning of the season.

agreed. I love Cockers passion and honesty - but he needs to tone things down. He is at risk of getting refs backs up, which would have a negative impact for the team.

very true indeed, do you think the higher up folks at the Tigers will start to get annoyed and start to think about replacing him if it continues?

[Portnoy's Complaint]

lol.

i certainly think we'll be without a DOR for the beginning of the season.

agreed. I love Cockers passion and honesty - but he needs to tone things down. He is at risk of getting refs backs up, which would have a negative impact for the team.

very true indeed, do you think the higher up folks at the Tigers will start to get annoyed and start to think about replacing him if it continues?

Don't be silly Nathan. He'll freeze his arse on the naughty step for a few games and all will be forgiven.

[formerly known as Sam]

He's only twice been punished in 5 years. One suspended sentence from 2009/10 and a warning at the start of this season. That's not really enough for the Tom's to start sharpening the axe.

[doctor_grey]

I don't approve of this but :
+1


What makes a Tiger (fan, player, employee or coach) is the dog and devotion.
But abuse of the opposition or officials is a step too far.

I don't care who has brought Cockers to book, but he should be made to present a defence of his actions, behaviours and words.
Mind you, so should Doreen West imo.

Don't worry about Cockers and Dorian West.  They were Hookers.   They don't know any better.
But, for the record, Dorian West is nothing like Cockers. His explosions and lack of class are a singular thing. He stands alone.

[formerly known as Sam]

Cockers has been on local radio. Deacon and Allen are good to go for the start of the season. Uncertain on when Benjamin will be back as they want to make sure he's 100% before they bring him back. He might miss the start of the season.

Sebastian de Chaves is with the club for pre season but his previous club are apparently demanding some compensation which Tigers are contesting. Cockers wouldn't be drawn on it saying it was something for Peter Tom to deal with.

[LondonTiger]

From Adam Jones Q&A on the Beeb:

Q: What's the strangest tactic someone's tried on you in a scrum? (from paulj)
A: About 10 years ago I was playing up at Leicester with Neath. Basically I wasn't the svelte, ripped specimen of a man I am now. Every time we had a scrum in front of the main stand, their loose-head, a guy called Derek Jelley, would lift my shirt up, exposing my stomach to the whole crowd. I swear I could hear the chuckles from him and them. It was slightly embarrassing.

[HongKongCherry]

From Adam Jones Q&A on the Beeb:

Q: What's the strangest tactic someone's tried on you in a scrum? (from paulj)
A: About 10 years ago I was playing up at Leicester with Neath. Basically I wasn't the svelte, ripped specimen of a man I am now. Every time we had a scrum in front of the main stand, their loose-head, a guy called Derek Jelley, would lift my shirt up, exposing my stomach to the whole crowd. I swear I could hear the chuckles from him and them. It was slightly embarrassing.

That is brilliant!

I do miss Austin Healey as a player. The heckling he used to get from the Kingsholm crowd was pretty amusing, but in fairness to him his retorts were even funnier.

[formerly known as Sam]

In the same interview he describes Manu as the Lions player he would least like to fight and who he would choose to avoid in tackling practice. Does that make Manu harder than POC?

Austin was funny as a player and still is as a commentator. The banter with the Shed remains.

[jeffwinger]

Just seen Richard Cockerill has been given a nine match ban for his conduct during the premiership final.  I'd say this is about right.  Had heard rumours of a possible 2 year or even life ban from the touchline so I suppose you could say he's gotten off lightly. Originally read it as 9 months(!) and thought that would be harsh but just about defensible. 9 matches probably a more sensible length though.

[Rugby Fan]

Here's the BBC link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23140518

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