Leicester Tigers 2019-20

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Fixtures


September
13th Misc - Premiership Sevens, Pool Fixtures
14th Misc - Premiership Sevens, KO Fixtures
21st 15:00 - Worcester (a), Premiership Cup
27th 19:45 - Exeter (h), Premiership Cup

October
 5th 15:00 - Bath (a), Premiership Cup
12th 15:00 - Northampton (h), Premiership Cup
19th 15:00 - Worcester (a), Gallagher Premiership
27th 15:00 - Saracens (h), Gallagher Premiership

November
 2nd 15:00 - Gloucester (h), Gallagher Premiership
10th 15:00 - London Irish (a), Gallagher Premiership
16th 15:00 - Pau (h), Challenge Cup
23rd 20:00 - Cardiff (a), Challenge Cup
30th 15:00 - Northampton (a), Gallagher Premiership

December
 7th 15:00 - Calvisano (h), Challenge Cup
14th 13:30 - Calvisano (a), Challenge Cup
21st 15:00 - Exeter (h), Gallagher Premiership
28th 16:30 - Harlequins (a - Twickenham), Gallagher Premiership

January
 4th 15:00 - Bristol (h), Gallagher Premiership
12th 15:15 - Cardiff (h), Challenge Cup
17/18/19 - Pau (a), Challenge Cup
24/25/26 - Bath (a), Gallagher Premiership

February
14/15/16 - Wasps (h), Gallagher Premiership
21/21/23 - Sale (a), Gallagher Premiership
28/29/01 - Worcester (h), Gallagher Premiership

March
6/7/8 - Saracens (a), Gallagher Premiership
20/21/22 - Exeter (a), Gallagher Premiership
27/28/29 - Beth (h), Gallagher Premiership


April
3/4/5 - Castres (h), Challenge Cup 1/4 Final
10/11/12 - London Irish (h), Gallagher Premiership
17/18/19 - Gloucester (a), Gallagher Premiership
24/25/26 - Sale (h), Gallagher Premiership

May
8/9/10 - Wasps (a), Gallagher Premiership
15/16/17 - Northampton (h), Gallagher Premiership
29/30/31 - Bristol (a), Gallagher Premiership

June
5/6/7 - Harlequins (h), Gallagher Premiership


Squad & Coaching Team


Head Coach: Geordan Murphy
Forwards Coach: Mark Bakewell
Attack Coach: Mike Ford
Defence Coach: Phil Blake
Scrum Coach: Boris Stankovich
Senior Development coach: Brett Deacon
Team Manager: Teresa Carrington


First Team Squad:
Props (8): Greg Bateman, Dan Cole, Gaston Cortes, Ellis Genge, Facundo Gigena, Joe Heyes, Owen Hills, Nephi Leatigaga
Hookers (5): Charlie Clare, Jake Kerr, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jimmy Stevens, Tom Youngs
Second Row (4): Calum Green, Tomas Lavanini, Will Spencer, Harry Wells
Back Row (8): Jordan Coghlan, Dave Denston, Sione Kalamafoni, Sam Lewis, Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, Jordan Taufua, Guy Thompson
Half Backs: (8)Sam Harrison, Harry Simmons, Ben White, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Tom Hardwicke, Johnny McPhillips, Noel Reid
Outside Backs (13): Sam Aspland-Robinson, Kyle Eastmond, Andy Forsyth, Jonah Holmes, Jonny May, Jordan Olowofela, Jaco Taute, Joe Thomas, Adam Thompstone, Manu Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu, EW Viljoen, George Worth

Development Squad:
Props (3): Osman Dimen, Keston Lines, James Whitcombe
Hookers (0):
Second Row (3): Cameron Jordan, Tom Manz, George Martin
Back Row (5): Ollie Ashwoth, Sam Eveleigh, Taylor Gough, Henri Lavin, Thom Smith
Half Backs (3): Jonny Law, Jack van Poortvliet, Sam Costelow
Outside Backs (4): Joe Browning, Kyran Bungaroo, Leo Gilliland, Freddie Steward

LondonTiger wrote:I wonder if they had to start JvP after withdrawing him from the U20s squad?

Never heard of that rule if the case!

Either way I'm delighted the club is backing White, Simmons and JvP rather than signing someone on loan. These sort of calculated gambles with the academy talent are what Tigers failed to do for years.

Some horrible news for former Tiger academy grad Will Hurrell.

His head injury playing for Bristol against Tigers in January was a damaged artery leading to a stroke. Apparently he's recovering slowly but has severe issues with memory, headaches and speech. Doctors aren't certain a full recovery will be made.

Awful news for a very good Prem player and nice bloke. Hopefully a full recovery can be made in time.

Horrid news. Hope he recovers and makes an informed decision as to his future.

Awful news for Hurrell, I hope he makes a good recovery and can resume a normal life. One of those that got away I was hoping we'd bring back.

No Taufua is a real blow for us as he's been excellent this season. Reffell deserves a shot and Boladau is a solid 8 so we shouldn't be too bad off. Hard on Hardwick not to make the squad but I suppose with a two back bench we need someone who can also cover 15 and McPhillips has done a bit of that this season. Simmons not starting is a bit of a surprise but I guess he's maybe not completely match fit whereas JVP is having been playing for England under 20s, got to give the young lad a go at some point.

Sale's team looks strong, though I fancy us to do ok in the scrum. We don't have a great record under the Friday night lights in the Enya fixture. Not expecting much from this game, if we can grab a losing bonus point and push Sale all the way then that would do. Need to regain the habit of picking up LBPs.

Horrid news. Always loved watching him at donny.

Thiunking about Simmons on the bench - with the injuries and the 6/2 split on the bench, he is probably able to cover more positions than JvP.

LondonTiger wrote:Thiunking about Simmons on the bench - with the injuries and the 6/2 split on the bench, he is probably able to cover more positions than JvP.

That's a good shout. Simmons has started at 15 previously having been a fullback before being converted to 9 by the Tigers academy. He's covered the wing before in an emergency for us as well. The concern will be if Taute goes off injured. Owolfela can go to 13 but it leaves our backline very light in terms of carrying options.

Dominant start but now momentum is with Sale. Unnecessary yellow card by Dan. Losing Taute is a huge blow.

LondonTiger wrote:

Khouli Khan wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:So, with the threat of relegation lifted, what should we be looking for from the rest of the season?

I would like us to go all guns blazing come spring in the Challenge Cup. Meanwhile I want us to win every home game and secure decent performances away.

To finish above London Irish.

I would say we should be aiming to finish above LI, Wasps, Worcester and Bath. Perhaps Quins too.

I think you should be realistic, the aim should be to finish above Saracens.....

formerly known as Sam wrote:Dominant start but now momentum is with Sale. Unnecessary yellow card by Dan. Losing Taute is a huge blow.

The capitulation after their first try was a tad disconcerting. Mind you, beat Worcester next week and we move off the bottom of the table.

LondonTiger wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Dominant start but now momentum is with Sale. Unnecessary yellow card by Dan. Losing Taute is a huge blow.

The capitulation after their first try was a tad disconcerting. Mind you, beat Worcester next week and we move off the bottom of the table.

If we get Taute and Taufua back for next week I'd feel happier about our chances. Was very disconcerting the way our midfield defence went down like a house of cards once Taute went off. No 6N means Weir will start for Worcester which is unfortunate, they are a better side with him there. Moving off the bottom of the table would be a boost for the club.

Hopefully Gigena gets his visa issues sorted and gets back into the action as well.

Gigena, Kerr, Cole
Spencer, Lavanini
Liebenburg, Taufua, Reffell
White, Hardwick
Eastmond, Taute
Owolfela, TV, Holmes

Best we can hope for.

Zack Henry, an English lad playing in French Pro D2 signs for next season. A goal kicking 10 with the pace to also play 15 he should be decent backup to Ford.

With Costelow and McPhillips both looking likely to be off at the end of the season it's a good signing. Creates some competition at 10 and 15 though both competition for the back up 10 spot than the starting one. Should be a cheap signing as well which is always handy. Given how Reid hasn't shown much reliable form either and Hardwick is still developing potentially some very good recruitment. It'll be a big step up from the French second division mind.

Tom Hardwick extends his contract.

Good move. At 20 he's shown enough potential to keep. He might be more of a 12 that can play 10 in the long run but we should be keeping him either way. He's shown good composure in some late penalties to win games.

Good news. Tom's goal kicking and defense are easy to take for granted in a young 10 but are very valuable. With time I think the rest of his game will kick on as well.

Henry is a good project player who won't cost a huge amount. He seems to have a good all round game.

Charlie Titcombe will come into the development squad next year as well I expect.

Murphy has made comments about the futures of Reffell and Costelow.

https://mobile.twitter.com/adamjwhitty

https://mobile.twitter.com/adamjwhitty/status/1232604786865954816

The club have moved to confirm that Reffell is going nowhere but Costelow is out of contract this summer. I wonder if Murphy's previous comments were due to the club looking for an early extension on Reffell's contract ala Hardwick.

Jaco Taute is out for three months. Torn bicep. Big blow for our midfield defence.

Taute hasn't shown much form due to absence but it's still a big blow. I hope we give Worth a chance rather than playing Reid and Eastmond in the midfield together.

If Viljeon is to have much future at the club you'd think he will need to take his chance with Manu and Taute away.

I'd prefer Steward to be with the U20s against Wales (i.e. when we play Sarries) but I'd be happier with him getting game time than McPhillips or Hughes this weekend if injuries force it. I'd just prefer the coaches to back the academy grads with big futures ahead of squad players who haven't shown much.

I think Taute has stitched the midfield defence together quite well in Manu's absence.

I'm not a fan of Worth at 13 he's neither quick or powerful enough to offer anything other than cover in that position. At 12 yeah I see the point but not at 13. I'd rather see Thomas, Viljoen or Steward given a go.

I like how we are drip feeding our youngsters in to the side, I'd not want too many in against a physical Worcester side in front of a disgruntled WR. Might be a tough afternoon and not the best time to be playing in the green, white and red. I agree there is little point persisting with Hughes and McPhillips as neither seems to be good enough. McPhillips I'd happily send back to the Championship it's his likely destination for next season.

BBC Leicester reporting that Tom and Ben Youngs have re-signed.

I expect we will have a Popcorn day tomorrow before the forum on Tuesday. Youngs x 2, Nadolo and Orie likely announced.

Shalva Mamukashvili being rumoured to us as well. Just what Tigers need at hooker. Does the basics very well.

Cyle Brink rumours yet again rearing their head. He's been linked to Tigers a few times.

They'd both be handy signings at the right end of the cap expenditure. Brink isn't the 8 we are after though Liebenburg could be shifted back or we could be retaining Kalamafoni on a cheaper contract.

king_carlos wrote:Shalva Mamukashvili being rumoured to us as well. Just what Tigers need at hooker. Does the basics very well.

Confirmed

Brink has very much trained for 8 this past year.
So wouldn’t be surprised if we are looking at
6. Liebenberg
7. Taufua
8. Brink

Youngs brothers likely to be confirmed on new contracts as well. I'd expect both to take quite a pay cut from their previous contracts.

Welly wrote: Brink has very much trained for 8 this past year.
So wouldn’t be surprised if we are looking at
6. Liebenberg
7. Taufua
8. Brink

Has he? Excellent. Could be the one we need then. He's big and aggressive with a good skillset and at 26 should be in his prime. He's had a couple of bad injuries but hopefully he can put those behind him.

Went from 99kg to 113kg in a couple of seasons.

Nadolo confirmed

LondonTiger wrote:Nadolo confirmed

Sadly to me, hes a poor mans Rabeni and Alesana Tuilagi.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Nadolo confirmed

Sadly to me, hes a poor mans Rabeni and Alesana Tuilagi.

To be fair his skillset has developed well in advance of what Alex could do. Nadolo became an incredible player whilst down in NZ. Not got the explosive pace of Rabeni and the big man is towards the end of his career as opposed to at his peak. However, he's a mountain that can offload. We need some size in the backline and he knows his way to the try line. In not expecting him to have the same input Alex Tuilagi did but I wouldn't put it past him to get towards double figures in tries next season.

OTY confirmed

Poor mans Rabeni and Alex?

Not sure on that he might not have their speed.
But is skill set is massive.

Ah i just dont think he's in their league. But then they're two of my favorite players that have been in the prem.

Just their raw aggression, power and influence on games. Wont be surpassed...

ill watch with interest how he goes...

https://youtu.be/apCqEbH89xE

Bit of this will make him a fan favourite. That offload particularly.

Well i will watch with interest.

Does this have any effect on Johnny May?

GeordieFalcon wrote:Well i will watch with interest.

Does this have any effect on Johnny May?

Probably not. TPN and Stevens out the door with Tom Youngs on a smaller contract and only the Georgian in. That will be a substantial saving. Ben Youngs is supposedly about to be announced on a reduced contract as well. If May takes the reduced terms offered to him as well then they should all get under the cap.

Think its likely May will go no, especially as other have had their contract extensions announced. Tigers will miss his try scoring but if thats the trade for a player whos available most of the season and saving 20 quid then its sensible business. 

Maybe if Tigers were at the stage where they were trying to assemble a side that can win major finals it would be a downtrade, but really they are now a bottom club and a champions cup place is a long way off.

Nadolo has no affect on May.
May is a separate thing, Tigers hopeful of keeping him currently.

Gooseberry wrote:Think its likely May will go no, especially as other have had their contract extensions announced. Tigers will miss his try scoring but if thats the trade for a player whos available most of the season and saving 20 quid then its sensible business. 

Maybe if Tigers were at the stage where they were trying to assemble a side that can win major finals it would be a downtrade, but really they are now a bottom club and a champions cup place is a long way off.

And yet still a big English club.

They can turn it around. Maybe with some good astute signings.

And Lenny confirmed.

That's the three expected signatures (including the two re-signings) plus a bit of a surprise. I wonder if we'll hear about one of the rumoured locks today as well or maybe Brink. They might be saved for another popcorn day. Today's activities should provide something to talk about at the fans forum that I think is tomorrow and could be a little fiesty after only four league wins so far this season.

GF the one signing we need to be a bit of shrewd business is Borthwick. The team we have is playing as less than the sum of its parts. That's not how a team should be working.

formerly known as Sam wrote:That's the three expected signatures (including the two re-signings) plus a bit of a surprise. I wonder if we'll hear about one of the rumoured locks today as well or maybe Brink. They might be saved for another popcorn day. Today's activities should provide something to talk about at the fans forum that I think is tomorrow and could be a little fiesty after only four league wins so far this season.

GF the one signing we need to be a bit of shrewd business is Borthwick. The team we have is playing as less than the sum of its parts. That's not how a team should be working.

To replace Geordie or to work with him?

GeordieFalcon wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:That's the three expected signatures (including the two re-signings) plus a bit of a surprise. I wonder if we'll hear about one of the rumoured locks today as well or maybe Brink. They might be saved for another popcorn day. Today's activities should provide something to talk about at the fans forum that I think is tomorrow and could be a little fiesty after only four league wins so far this season.

GF the one signing we need to be a bit of shrewd business is Borthwick. The team we have is playing as less than the sum of its parts. That's not how a team should be working.

To replace Geordie or to work with him?

Borthwick head coach and Murphy will be DOR. I think it's going to be a bit like David Humphreys role at Glaws.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:Think its likely May will go no, especially as other have had their contract extensions announced. Tigers will miss his try scoring but if thats the trade for a player whos available most of the season and saving 20 quid then its sensible business. 

Maybe if Tigers were at the stage where they were trying to assemble a side that can win major finals it would be a downtrade, but really they are now a bottom club and a champions cup place is a long way off.

And yet still a big English club.

They can turn it around. Maybe with some good astute signings.

There isn't a lot wrong with the squad - although it could do with a refresh for sure.

The route cause of Tigers' decline is a parochial board and their choice of coaching staff. Even when they had decent coaching staff, the board strangled any ambition.

Spencer to Bath sounding like a done deal.

Question marks over Guy Thompson's fitness long term and I've heard he has some good offers in the Championship in player/coach roles. With the Championship in turmoil that might change though.

I thought Sione played well yesterday in a tough game to skipper. I hope he re-signs though on a smaller contract than we nabbed him from Gloucester with.

Also hope that Joe Batley re-signs long term. He was set back by cancer but having fought through it he looks a talented Prem lock.

Kalamafoni is off.

Where to Welly?

Guess that'll be to make room for Brink. Good player but a poor injury record.

Kalamafoni is a good squad level player these days but his contract was for more than that. Wouldn't be surprised to see him head to Japan for a couple of years. Extend his career and do his bank balance no harm.