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 formerly known as Sam Tue 05 Feb 2019, 2:01 pm

Hardwick confirmed as well.

So Reffell, Owolofela or Heyes next?

I suspect there will be an unofficial announcement or two at the fans forum tonight.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 05 Feb 2019, 2:05 pm

Discussing it in the office, I thought Heyes as the final one. (For some reason I thought Reffell had re-signed a few weeks back)

by **LondonTiger** Tue 05 Feb 2019, 2:19 pm

Olowefela it is.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 05 Feb 2019, 2:47 pm

I think Reffell has confirmed unofficially that he's staying for next season, whether that's a new deal or he signed a two year deal last summer I don't know.

by Geordie Tue 05 Feb 2019, 3:17 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Olowefela it is.

How do you think he is progressing?

by nathan Tue 05 Feb 2019, 3:51 pm

They recently tweeted that there are some new signings to announce, just not today.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 05 Feb 2019, 3:59 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Olowefela it is.

How do you think he is progressing?

I think he is doing ok. Started a little at 15 at the start of the season which was a shock to the system. His positioning wasn't quite there and neither was our back three organisation which left him isolated and knocked his confidence. Had more game time on the wing where he's done well, not shone but finished some tries well, gets stuck in and is decent under thigh ball (especially in attack off of a crossfield kick).

Needs more game time to up his confidence levels as he isn't going looking for work like he used to at age grade and that's where he's dangerous. Defence and positioning have improved but still need a little more development as does his kicking game. Couple of years and he could be a real top drawer player.

by king_carlos Tue 05 Feb 2019, 5:57 pm

Wells, Lewis, White, Simmons, Hardwick and Olowofela. All good news there.

Do I remember correctly it being mentioned around the AIs that Holmes re-signed before being selected by Wales? If so he'd be available for Wales selection during the contract which would work well for both parties.

I believe Kerr is in contract as well.

From the first team squad Manu and TPN have the biggest questions being asked about whether they will be here next season. Hopefully both are.

Rumoured signings: Leatigaga, Green, Taute, Reid, Walker, Taufua?

Rumoured leavers: Tait and Smith (retirement), Evans (Quins), BOC (Japan), Mapapalangi (France), Owen (Newcastle)

Short term deals: Ma'afu, McMillan, Sarto, Varndell

Uncertainty over: Hills, Gigena, Cortes, Stevens, Voss, Fitzgerald, Fred Tuilagi, Thacker and Thompstone

There's a lot of movement left. Hopefully Manu, Reffell and Heyes are in the next batch of re-signings. I'd be very happy to see Sarto stay if he keeps fit as well.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 05 Feb 2019, 9:04 pm

TPN signed a two and a half year deal when he joined so he should have another season. Whether there's a get out clause around the RWC I don't know.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 11 Feb 2019, 11:26 am

Hopefully Eddie will let Cole and Genge play for us this weekend. With just 35 minutes of rugby between them since the Ulster match they could probably do with a run out.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 11 Feb 2019, 12:23 pm

Would be a real boost for us if he did. Heyes should be pretty fresh after benching for England under 20s both games as well.

by king_carlos Mon 11 Feb 2019, 3:38 pm

Genge certainly will I'd imagine. Cole and Ford are possibilities as well after limited game time. Youngs, TPN, Spencer and Denton are all possibles for the weekend. Simmons is meant to be fit as well.

If Genge, Cole and Ford get released, plus Spencer and Denton make it:

1.Genge 2.Kerr 3.Cole 4.Wells 5.Kitchener 6.Williams 7.Evans 8.Kalamafoni
9.White 10.G Ford 11.Holmes 12.Eastmond 13.Toomua 14.Sarto 15.Worth

16.TPN 17.Bateman 18.Heyes 19.Spencer 20.Denton 21.Simmons 22.Hardwick 23.Worth

If not:

1.Bateman 2.Kerr 3.Heyes 4.Wells 5.Kitchener 6.Williams 7.Evans 8.Kalamafoni
9.White 10.Toomua 11.Holmes 12.Hardwick 13.Eastmond 14.Sarto 15.Worth

16.TPN 17.Gigena 18.Feao 19.Fitzgerald 20.O'Connor 21.Simmons 22.J Ford 23.Olowofela

Two very different sides which leaves me with no idea what to expect until the teams are named.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 26 Feb 2019, 1:23 pm

One of the worst kept of secrets is no longer secret as Mat Tait announces his retirement.

After making his England debut as an 18-year-old, Tait was a World Cup Finalist in 2007 and has spent the last eight seasons with Leicester Tigers following previous spells with Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks.

He has taken the decision to retire on medical advice due to an Achilles injury which has affected his availability this season.

Tait, 33, said: “It isn’t how I planned to finish up but ultimately, this ongoing problem with my Achilles has caught up with me and, on the advice of people much more in the know than me, it’s the right time to call it quits.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tigers over the past eight years. Having played against Leicester before arriving at the club, it was a dream to be able to call Welford Road home and I leave having enjoyed many special memories with a lot of special people over my time here.

“I’ve been so fortunate to achieve many things in the game and it’s hard to pinpoint one highlight, let alone a few, but obviously being able to win the Premiership with Tigers stands out, as well representing my country and, of course, playing in a World Cup Final.

“I also think being able to have played against and alongside my brother Alex is something I’ll always remember as being very special.”

Tait made his Tigers debut in September 2011, won a Premiership title in 2013 and also captained the team, including a European Cup semi-final in 2016 and the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final victory a year later. He collected his club cap after making his 100th starting appearance in January 2017 and totalled 143 games for the Welford Road club.

“I owe a lot to a lot of people who have made it possible for me to live out my dream and I thank every one of those people who have played a role from my school days, through Newcastle and Sale, England and, of course, here at Tigers,” Tait added.

“I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had alongside such great team-mates and working with fantastic coaches.

“I also have to thank my family, especially my parents and my wife Alexa, and also all of the supporters from clubs I’ve represented, in particular the incredible Tigers supporters who make this club so great and make Welford Road the best club rugby ground in the world.”

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “Mat has been among the leading players of his generation since making his breakthrough as a teenager at Newcastle.

“In the past few seasons we have been able to use him at centre and full-back, and it says a lot for his knowledge and his quality as a player that he has been able to absorb the detail of different roles and has always been willing to play wherever he has been needed in the team.

“As a senior player, he has been influential here on and off the field and has given great service to the club. He will always be welcome at Welford Road and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

by formerly known as Sam Tue 26 Feb 2019, 2:09 pm

Sad he won't get an onfield farewell. I wouldn't expect this to be the last retirement this season.

That tackle against Robson will live long in the highlights reel.

by king_carlos Tue 26 Feb 2019, 4:13 pm

Always a shame when a player can't retire on their own terms.

He's been an excellent servant for Tigers. Firstly at fullback and latterly as a utility back after some of the pace left him.

I expect there will be more centre signings to go with the rumoured Reid and Taute.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 26 Feb 2019, 4:28 pm

There aren't any immediate centre promotions from the academy so I wouldn't be surprised. Unless of course we can get the paperwork sorted for Dunn. We could do with a utility power option to cover centre and wing. Be a nice counter point to the pace that we have coming through and with May and Holmes. Don't think we need too many as some of the young guns can step into the centre. Obviously if Manu goes we need a replacement.

Personally I'd rather we were ear marking the majority of spending on lock and the backrow. Especially the backrow. Need some power and nous there.

by **Rugby Fan** Tue 26 Feb 2019, 4:37 pm

LondonTiger wrote:One of the worst kept of secrets is no longer secret as Mat Tait announces his retirement.

There are many players who don't seem to get the careers their talent deserves but some seem to resonate more than others. While not quite the lost opportunity of someone like Sinbad, Tait could have been so much more. I do hope his career trajectory isn't defined by the Henson tackle, and Andy Robinson losing faith too quickly. He got back into the top flight, and almost helped us to a World Cup, so things went wrong later too.

Tait himself admitted he might have taken too much for granted after making it to the World Cup. Johnson didn't trust him after the 2010 tour and that was him done. I genuinely thought joining Leicester might give him a run, to show he could still contribute for England but it wasn't to be. Ultimately, his body let him down, and Leicester wasn't the force he needed them to be, at that time in his career. That's not to blame the club, just a reflection of how Tait probably needed everything to go right to get his career back, and that rarely happens for anyone.

by yappysnap Tue 26 Feb 2019, 6:29 pm

Well said Rugby Fan. To me he was a very talented runner at a time when England just weren't producing many backs like that. He had a very good purple patch when he was young but just couldn't maintain it. Still a great player for his club and country and should be pleased with his showing.

He was also the final player left playing who started that 2007 RWC final game. There is now only Toby Flood left who featured in the match off the bench.

by king_carlos Tue 26 Feb 2019, 7:33 pm

yappysnap wrote:He was also the final player left playing who started that 2007 RWC final game. There is now only Toby Flood left who featured in the match off the bench.

I found that a really interesting snippet when I read the Beeb article earlier today. It shocked me at first but looking back that really wasn't the youngest of sides!

Tait was rapid by any measure when he first broke through. Once the injuries took that pace he had to reinvent himself as a different player and did so very at fullback. His high ball work and kicking improved out of sight in a short space of time and he eased the transition at Tigers with Murphy retiring.

by lostinwales Tue 26 Feb 2019, 8:51 pm

If he'd stayed in 7's he would have been a legend of that format, not that he was going to.

by yappysnap Tue 26 Feb 2019, 9:44 pm

When he played 7's it wasn't as pro as it is now and he probably wasn't to have ever known it'd go as pro as it did. He would have been brilliant if he had stuck though.

Likewise he was very nearly a RWC winner at about 20 and if things had gone slightly differently could have been the player to score the winning try at that RCW. He didn't have a bad career all in all.

by king_carlos Wed 27 Feb 2019, 8:14 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJDfyTosdk

A nice tribute video of his Tigers performances from the club.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 27 Feb 2019, 8:41 pm

Love that tackle on Robson.

Misses my favourite moment. Against Toulon I think it was, catches the ball and drops to the floor so the tackler flies over the top of him before setting off and jinking past four players from his 22 up to halfway.

If he'd moved to 15 earlier I think he could have had a much longer international career.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Feb 2019, 8:24 pm

Sopoaga ruled out of Saturdays game along with Billy Searle. Rob Miller likely to start at 10 with Jacob Umaga covering from the bench.

Wasps also missing Launchbury, Shields, Hughes, Robson and Daly to England duty. Zhvania is unavailable after being with Georgia all week. Campagnaro has a back issue which rules him out. Simon McIntyre is unavailable due to concussion in what is turning into a really unfortunate season for the guy due to injury.

Thomas Young will be available though. As will Stuart and West, their young props.

Tigers really should be winning this.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Feb 2019, 8:48 pm

I wish I had your optimism.

Any points would be good in our current state.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Mar 2019, 11:23 am

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

TPN in loan to the Tahs until end of the month.

by king_carlos Mon 04 Mar 2019, 2:11 pm

Got to question whether TPN will be here next season. He's on a big wage, isn't delivering on the pitch and the Tahs have new investment.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Mar 2019, 2:42 pm

Do we care? Love his physicality round the pitch and the scrum tends to do well with him in it but a 80/90 cap international hooker that can't reliably hit his jumper is a massive frustration.

We have Kerr who is pushing for first choice and probably one more year of Tom. Could be a good idea to blood Mahoney next season and get Jimmy Stevens back from injury. If a good hooker is available post RWC or next summer then we can move for them then.

by king_carlos Mon 04 Mar 2019, 2:55 pm

Heard at the weekend that Stevens is out for another 3 months after renewed concussion symptoms when he returned to training. Likely why Charlie Clare has been signed for next season.

With the wage TPN is on I wouldn't be too upset if he moved on to be honest.

I expect that Wallace signing would be a case of offsetting Taufua earning more than the outgoing back rowers. Williams and O'Connor are on good money but Taufua will be on more than either individually.

Kitchener - Green
Williams and BOC - Taufua and Wallace
Evans - Reffell
Toomua's big tent - Lock
TPN - Number 8

Roughly speaking if TPN moving on facilitated that I'd be happy with the situation.

Evans leaving is the only rumoured loss from the squad turnover that I'm particularly bothered by currently. I hope Manu stays but if he does move on then there is immediately a lot of cash there to invest in a centre.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Mar 2019, 4:20 pm

Reffell should be a saving on Evans and whilst I'm sad to lose Evans, Reffell looks a handy talent and we haven't seen anything of Gough yet who is supposed to be a bit more physical and abrasive.

Is Fitzgerald staying or going? I keep hearing conflicting reports. Somebody was telling me today they've heard that as many as 20 players could be out the door in the summer. If you include the dispensation signings at hooker and wing plus the six you name and then the three expected to go in the backs that still leaves some more to go (another 8ish). Now we may jettison Cortes who's barely played and Fe'ao who seems out of favour (though if keep him) and Ma'afu was only a temporary option, but where are all the replacements coming from and how will we knit together a coherent team with the world cup interrupting pre season?

by **LondonTiger** Mon 04 Mar 2019, 4:24 pm

My issue with losing Evans is that while Reffell looks good, as current regulations stand if we develop him into an international quality player he will be back off to Wales.

by Welly Mon 04 Mar 2019, 5:22 pm

People keep saying big tent lock. But at this moment in time we are not looking for one.
At this moment in time Taufua will most likely be it.

Leavers wise from what I gather
Hookers (TPN, McMillan, Stevens)
Props (Cortes, Gigena, Ma'afu, Faeo)
Locks (Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Voss)
Back Row (Williams, BOC, Evans, Mapapalangi)
Fly Half (J.Ford)
Centre (Toomua, Manu, Owen, Smith)
Wing (Varndell, Sarto)
Full Back (Tait)
Potentially some others not sure what will happen to Thacker.

Are all either going, Close to going, not being offered a contract yet or being offered a reduced contract.
Ma'afu, Sarto, Varndell are injury signings.

Now some of those might have a chance to play for a new contract, like Gigena will prob get a decent contract as he has really performed well for example.
or if Joe Ford can back up his performance last weekend.

I expect about 6/7 players to be coming up as regulars next season from the development squad as well.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 04 Mar 2019, 6:10 pm

Not sure on his contract status, but there were people on Saturday suggesting Harrison may be on his way.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Mar 2019, 7:35 pm

I had heard rumours that Murphy had taken umbridge with Harrison's commitment with suggestions Harrison has been more more focused on his house refurb in Hinckley. How true I don't know. Harrison does seem to either have fallen down Murphy's pecking order or has had several niggling injuries.

In terms of squad balance we could do with him for another couple of years whilst the young guns develop. Maybe longer if Benny decides to have a pension top up abroad.

Are we likely to see Voss go? Not even played a game for the club yet. Wouldn't be surprised if Sarto did enough to get a deal before the end of the season.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 12 Mar 2019, 4:36 pm

Kalamafoni to miss next three games through suspension. Can have no complaints, easy red card decision. Beaumont provoked him and then made a meal of it but Kalamafoni is experienced enough to know better.

by king_carlos Wed 13 Mar 2019, 4:52 pm

With Manu re-signed what are people hoping for now recruitment wise. Green, Taute, Reid and Charlie Clare seem pretty solid rumours. As does Leatigaga albeit a season delayed.

Extra recruitment at lock remains the most vital in my opinion. Green would be a good signing but more is still needed there.

Just seeing Denton back on the pitch would make the back row options look better - his layoff is getting really worrying. Taufua is great recruitment but the back row is lacking somewhat. It's a shame Jean-Luc du Preez seems destined for Sale.

Gigena re-signing would be good to see. He's really impressed over the last couple of weeks with Bateman injured.

Depending on what's happening with Feao and Cortes another prop may be needed, particularly in a RWC year.

If Tombstone is moving on then I'd be happy with Sarto signing as a replacement. That would be a good like-for-like recruitment.

Further depth at fullback is required.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 13 Mar 2019, 9:04 pm

If the backs for next season are;

9. Youngs, Harrison, White, Simmonds
10. Ford, Hardwick, J Ford (his one decent game will probably get him a one game extension)
12. Reid, Eastmond
13. Manu, Taute
Wing. May, Holmes, Thompstone, SAR, Owolofela
15. TV, Worth

I think we're in a position to prioritise the forwards. Hardwick and Worth can both cover centre and all of Taute, SAR, Holmes and Simmonds can all cover 15 as well. We've also got a really good prospect stepping out of the academy in Steward who should be in all the cup games. The winger Browning is getting good reviews as well.

The props have been good this season and our first three choices at hooker are all under contract for next season. Add in the new Samoan prop and then pick a fourth choice hooker depending on whether Mahoney is ready or not. Good position to be in.

Lock and backrow;

4. Spencer, ?, Voss
5. Green, Wells, Jordan
6. Taufua, Denton, Lewis, Lavin
7. Thomson, Reffell, Wallace, Gough
8. ?, Kalamafoni, Tuilagi, Smith

Need a second enforcer, a real brute of a lock that is a handful (we should have a marquee spot free, let's use it). A ball carrying backrow is required to help out as at the minute were far to over reliant on a couple of players.

Unsure Fred Tuilagi will get more than another season of squad filling before leaving. The previous academy cup winning backrow we haven't seen much of yet, hoping they'll step up next season and put pressure on the more senior options. George Martin is set to come up from the academy and into the development squad this summer. If Voss and Jordan don't show up well next season then they might find that he's pushing one out the squad for the season after because he looks to have the potential to be a massive player.

by king_carlos Tue 19 Mar 2019, 3:27 pm

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/pacy-centre-hands-vision-linked-2661845

Tigers linked with EW Viljeon from the Stormers. Predominantly plays centre these days but also covers wing and fullback. Sounds like it would be a good signing with Taity retiring. The Merc reporting the rumour suggests it's solid as well.

Tigers also linked with Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini. I'm a bit torn on that one. He offers physicality that Tigers are sorely lacking but also has some previous discipline issues to say the least. Fans calling for a Cudmore type signing will get their wish though, Lavanini has probably inherited his mantle.

by bluestonevedder Tue 19 Mar 2019, 3:55 pm

king_carlos wrote:https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/pacy-centre-hands-vision-linked-2661845

Tigers linked with EW Viljeon from the Stormers. Predominantly plays centre these days but also covers wing and fullback. Sounds like it would be a good signing with Taity retiring. The Merc reporting the rumour suggests it's solid as well.

Tigers also linked with Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini. I'm a bit torn on that one. He offers physicality that Tigers are sorely lacking but also has some previous discipline issues to say the least. Fans calling for a Cudmore type signing will get their wish though, Lavanini has probably inherited his mantle.

Hmmmm....not sure how I feel about that if it is true. I can't stand the bloke if I'm honest. He seems to be a cheap-shot king and fails miserably at trying to play the 'enforcer' type role. He has the potential to be a decent player if he improves his discipline.

I think he was the one who put that horrific looking knee-shot in on Nathan Hughes during the Argentina tour? Thankfully it didn't have any lasting impact, but it easily could have done.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2019, 4:12 pm

EW Viljeon looks a good squad signing. Covers a number of positions and supposedly has a good mix of pace and physicality. Has a decent amount of experience for 23 and no history of injuries I can see. Added to Taute and Reid they are good replacements for Tait, Smith and Owen. Still plenty of scope for the academy guys to push on through.

Lavanini, well he's a more interesting option. On one hand he's up to a half century of caps at 26 and has played French and SH rugby at the highest club level. He's a real unit and very physical. On the down side he's very liable to a yellow card and our discipline isn't exactly the best as is. If we can get him in and work on his game then potentially we could polish him into a real diamond on a player because other than his momentary lapses of discipline he's got everything you want from a second row. Plus our pack could do with some more confrontational tight five players as we are still a bit nice. As Cockers said, "it's easier to pull them out of a fight than to push them into one".

I'm sure Geordie can beat some sense into him. If not Brett Deacon is on the staff and he definitely can.

by king_carlos Tue 19 Mar 2019, 6:02 pm

As said, Lavanini is one I'm torn on. If it's a marquee replacement then I'd want a better all round player in the second row - Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sam Whitelock, etc. If Ford is being promoted to the marquee place (which sounds likely) then I'd be happy with Lavanini for the right price.

Botha, Burger, Hartley, Grewcock, the list can go on. Plenty of forwards have had disciplinary issues whilst still being very good players. Lavanini wouldn't be my first choice but he'd add the physicality which the pack is currently missing. Our fringe defence is woeful at times and Lavanini is powerful in the tackle.

1.Genge 2.Youngs 3.Cole 4.Lavanini 5.Spencer 6.Taufua 7.Thompson 8.Kalamafoni

16.Kerr 17.Bateman 18.Heyes 19.Green 20.Denton

Hypothetical, but the addition of an international lock, Taufua and the stronger bench would make that incomparable to the current pack in my opinion.

It will be interesting to see what impact TPN makes returning from his 2 games with the Tahs. Currently I'd happily see his wage re-directed in the back row if he wants an early return to Super Rugby. I really hope he finds form but it's currently a big wage for a third choice hooker.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 19 Mar 2019, 7:51 pm

I think the club may want to keep the TPN option open. I've heard some pretty strong rumours that Tom Young will retire at the end of next season and the club may fancy extending TPN for another season (probably on a cheaper wage) if they can't land a preferred option. The rumours surrounding us this season probably indicate that the board may have been happy to acquire a season early and let TPN go early. Hasn't worked out though.

They won't want to be in a position of Kerr plus average squad players and the developing Mahoney (we don't know how good we will turn out to be).

With the backrow we also have a lot of young lads waiting for a chance. Reffell, Tuilagi, Eveleigh, Gough, Smith and Levin (Sp?) are all in development (maybe academy still for Eveleigh) and will be wanting a shot to show what they've got. Don't want to miss out on what they've got to offer because they've looked ok so far. Reffell is ready for regular prem games in my opinion, he should be rotating in and around the squad this season.

by **LondonTiger** Sun 24 Mar 2019, 7:44 pm

https://twitter.com/LeicesterTigers/status/1109808922309861376?s=19

Christ on a bike but that is a confusing lineup.

by king_carlos Sun 24 Mar 2019, 8:04 pm

15. James Spencer (Loughborough)
14. Charlie Hudson (Loughborough)
13. Elliot Creed (Doncaster)
12. Tim Bitrim (Loughborough)
11. Aaron Tait (Loughborough)
10. Tom Hardwick
9. Harry Simmons

1. Campese Ma'afu
2. Ross McMillan (c)
3. David Fe'ao
4. Cam Jordan
5. Sam Lewis
6. Valentino Mapapalangi
7. Henri Lavin
8. Fred Tuilagi

Bench:
16. TPN
17. Owen Hills
18. Matt Talaesi (Doncaster)
19. Dan Cuthbert (Loughborough)
20. Taylor Gough
21. Will Lane (Loughborough)
22. Josh Lewis (Loughborough)
23. Tom Walsh (Loughborough)

More backs from Loughborough than Tigers in there.

Most of the U18s are injured or away to go with the development and senior squad injuries.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 24 Mar 2019, 8:14 pm

Looks like we have pretty much no fit backs. Simmons and Hardwick in to get game time after that it's on the borrow/trial. Going to be tough to find any cohesion, probably won't look dissimilar to the first team.

Fe'ao and Ma'afu seem well out of favour. With them and McMillan at least we should go ok in the scrum. There should be plenty of carrying potential in the backrow. I thought Gough was the development openside and Lavin was a 6? Either way good chance for him and then Gough off the bench to stake a claim for more chances. Last chance for Freddie Tuilagi your have thought, he's been ok in the Prem cup so a big display now might get him another year to make his mark.

Is Josh Lewis the former Bath and current Dragons flyhalf on some sort of trial?

by Geordie Mon 25 Mar 2019, 9:15 am

I don't think you guys are in trouble.

I think its between us and Worcester and whilst we have picked up some form...im not sure we'll actually catch Wuss.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 25 Mar 2019, 9:52 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:I don't think you guys are in trouble.

I think its between us and Worcester and whilst we have picked up some form...im not sure we'll actually catch Wuss.

Just now I am struggling to see us win another game. Exeter at home tricky. We have beaten them at home in recent seasons but with sides that were playing for each other. Sale away we never win. Leaves the two home games with Bristol and Bath and the trip to Falcons. We have to win at least two of those three.

by TightHEAD Mon 25 Mar 2019, 11:07 am

Tigers are leaving it late for a top four finish this season.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 25 Mar 2019, 11:14 am

TightHEAD wrote:Tigers are leaving it late for a top four finish this season.

If only.

We should make top 4 next season (in the Championship)

by Geordie Mon 25 Mar 2019, 11:42 am

Just having a look at the remaining fixtures and points...

It literally is wide open...Us, Wuss, Tigers, Bristol and even Wasps...could be relegated depending on how the results go.

We have tigers at KP in two weeks which will be a big fixture...and we have Bristol at KP on the final day.

Wasps run in doesn't look easy either... don't they play the top four and then Bath away.

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