Women’s rugby action returns to Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday, two weeks after a record crowd cheered Leicester Tigers to Championship North victory in their last home outing.
Ahead of Saturday’s Round 7 fixture against Harrogate Ladies (3.00pm kick-off), prop Ofure Ugiagbe said “nothing prepares you” for running out at a 25,000-capacity venue which has been home to Tigers for 130 years.
“It is a really special ground,” said Ugiagbe whose name is etched in history as the women’s first tryscorer at the stadium.
Ugiagbe has played at the venue more than any of the Tigers team with appearances as a student in the city’s Varsity matches before last season’s first club games and now a debut season in the Championship North.
“Being around it as a supporter, watching games over the last few years and playing there with university with a special group and now being part of a special club, being on that journey and connecting that is another level.
“The last three times we’ve played here, each time it has been bigger and bigger and bigger. Coming down the steps from the tunnel, nothing can prepare you for that.
“Being able to do all that with your mates on that ground is really special.”
Tigers have won the opening six games of the season, including four away from home, and return to the team’s home stadium for the first time since a record-breaking 3,500 crowd cheered the derby victory over Loughborough Town.
“The support is fantastic,” added Ugiagbe. “It’s never a distraction – it just gets you up. You do something right and they celebrate with you, and if you make an error or something goes against you, they are there to pick you up.
“Even with a big crowd in I still heard my mum and my sisters – they are a different level in noise!”
In team news announced on Thursday evening, Tigers welcome back top tryscorer Molly Draycott, and include Bryany Chalk and Amy Relf in the backline in changes to the starting line-up from the 39-0 win at Novocastrians last Saturday. Ali Gale, Ella-Mae Fereday and Becky Noon also return to the matchday squad.
Match tickets are available now, priced £9 adults, £2 under-18s. Buy online or phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2), or purchase at the ticket booth on matchday.
After Saturday’s game, supporters can stay to watch England versus the All Blacks in Final Whistle (5.30pm kick-off) and hear from members of the women’s squad during half-time at Twickenham.
Click here for a full Matchday Guide and enjoy your afternoon with the Tigers.
