Leicester Tigers kick off a 125th year at their Welford Road home in a meeting with one of their oldest rivals this afternoon (Sunday).
On the opening weekend of the Aviva Premiership season, Tigers host Bath Rugby in the 193rd meeting of a rivals.
Tigers have been beaten at Welford Road just twice in 2017 in Premiership action at Welford Road, while visitors Bath chase a first league win in the city since 2003.
Overall, the sides have met on 192 previous occasions with Tigers winning 113 to 66 by Bath and 13 games drawn.
The Aviva Premiership season began in exciting style on Friday evening with a last-gasp win for Gloucester against Exeter Chiefs on Friday and a bonus-point win over Worcester for Newcastle. On Saturday, there were Round 1 wins for Saracens (55-24 against Northampton Saints), Wasps 50-35 (v Sale Sharks) and London Irish (39-29 v Harlequins).
In team news announced on Friday, Tigers give debuts to new signings George Ford, Jonny May, Dominic Ryan and Nick Malouf, while Matt Toomua makes his Premiership debut. Former Tigers fly-half Freddie Burns is included in the Bath squad alongside British & Irish Lions trio Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Taulupe Faletua.
Tigers club captain Youngs is relishing the opportunity to kick off the new season with a big home game.
“It’s a fixture that is dripping in history,” he said. “We are at home and Bath are a good side so it is one to really get excited about first up.
“Bath coming here is a great way to start the season. We have had a good pre-season but the big test is this Sunday.”
Referee today is Luke Pearce in his 62nd Premiership match in charge.
Kick-off is at 3.00pm and tickets are available now. Book in person at the Tigers ticket office or phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) (open from 9.00am on matchday) or click here to book online at any time.
