After an underwhelming 2023-24 season, finishing at 8th place, Leicester Tigers have been busy in the off-season. Out with Australian Dan McKellar. In with compatriot Michael Cheika to take the Tigers into a new era. Cheika, known for his abrasive style and ability to inspire squads, brings a wealth of experience that will be crucial in guiding Leicester through the challenges of the new season.
Key Players:
Handre Pollard is set to be the driving force behind Leicester's game plan. Pollard’s game management, precise kicking, and ability to control the tempo will be instrumental in orchestrating the Tigers' flow. His experience at the highest levels of international rugby will provide the calm and composure Leicester need to navigate tight encounters, especially in the knockout stages of the competition. With international breaks now embedded into the Premiership season, Tigers fans will be hoping to see much more of Pollard in Green, White and Red this season.
Crucial to any good Leicester team is a strong forward pack. Under Steve Borthwick's management, Leicester re-established their set piece and forward dominance, in no small part down to the growth of academy lock partners George Martin and Ollie Chessum. Known for their work rate and physicality, the lock pairing are core leaders in this young Leicester squad, dominating in collisions, winning set piece battles and winning the gain line battle both sides of the ball. Another academy product, Tommy Reffell will be essential in winning penalties and giving Leicester turnover ball to attack from. Winning 11 penalties across 5 games, Reffell equalled the most turnovers won in Six Nations history last season, and Michael Cheika will be looking to the openside to replicate this Wales form on the turf of Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Impact Signings:
Izaia Perese, the explosive Australian centre, headlines Leicester's new acquisitions. Perese brings a dynamic attacking edge with his ability to break tackles and create opportunities out of nothing. His agility and strength will be pivotal in adding flair to Leicester’s backline, offering Pollard a potent weapon to exploit opposition defences. Perese’s arrival signifies a clear intent to bolster Leicester’s attacking capabilities, addressing one of the key areas of concern from last season.
Potential Weakness:
Leicester's most pressing challenge lies in developing a consistent attacking identity. Last season, they managed to score only 55 tries, an area that requires significant improvement if they are to compete at the highest level. The departure of Jasper Wiese, a crucial ball carrier, exacerbates this issue, placing additional pressure on the team to find new ways to break down defences. Cheika’s influence will be crucial in crafting a more cohesive and threatening attacking strategy that can complement Leicester’s traditionally strong defence.
Ones to Watch:
Finn Carnduff is a player to keep an eye on this season. The young flanker was instrumental in the England U20 side winning the Junior World Cup this summer, captaining the side to victory in South Africa. With his physicality in open play, hard work ethic and towering presence in the lineout, Carnduff looks like a very exciting prospect, especially as England look to find the long-term replacement for Courtney Lawes. Carnduff now has the opportunity to step up and establish himself as a key contributor in the Tigers' pack this season.
The RIL Take:
The appointment of Michael Cheika as Director of Rugby cannot be overstated. Cheika is not only a world-class coach but also one of the best at fostering team unity and resilience. With a high-quality squad packed with internationals that won the league just two seasons ago, Cheika has all the tools he needs to succeed. Leicester Tigers are expected to be right in the mix this season, blending their traditional forward dominance with an evolving attacking game plan. If Cheika can successfully integrate new talent like Izaia Perese and develop a more potent attacking threat, Leicester could be a formidable force in the Premiership once again.
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