Fifty Junior Tigers Club members were given the chance to watch the team train as Richard Cockerill’s men build up to the start of the Guinness Premiership season.
The youngsters then collected autographs and had their photographs taken with all of their favourite players including Tom Croft, Toby Flood and Aaron Mauger, Jordan Crane, Louis Deacon and Scott Hamilton. Junior Tigers Club president Harry Ellis was also on hand to meet the youngsters.
AJ Beesley, 9, who travelled from Leamington for the event, said: “It is really good to see the players training close up and I have had my photograph taken with the players.
“As long as I have been playing rugby I have supported Tigers. It is nice to be here.”
His mum Fiona added: “It is fantastic to be so close to the action.”
Jordy Holden, 13, said he hopes to add tips he picked up on the day to his game when he returns to Coalville RFC Under-14s in the new season.
“The best bit was watching them train,” he said. “I have learnt a lot of new stuff about hanging on to people and running into the ruck.
“Harry Ellis is my favourite player and I’ve got his autograph.”
His dad Ian said: “The children have found it fantastic. We have seen the top stars in the country and the world. It is really nice to see them train and hopefully it will inspire the children a bit too.”
The youngsters are all JTC members. They were chosen at random after entering into a draw for the dream prize and were accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Tigers scrum-half Ellis said: “It is great for the supporters to be able to come and see what happens at the training ground and we all appreciate that the supporters are a special part of this club.
“We have had some great comments from the children and they told us that they all enjoyed their day.”
To become a member of the Junior Tigers Club or for more information visit the club shop at Welford Road or contact the ticket office on 0844 856 1880.
