The Premiership Women's Rugby season begins for Leicester Tigers on Sunday (October 6) away to Gloucester-Hartpury.
Tom Hudson, who took over the Head Coach role in the summer, has named a matchday squad featuring eight players who will make their PWR debuts at Kingsholm Stadium against the reigning champions.
"We have had two weeks now to build on the excellent performance against Loughborough and the level of commitment and the desire to improve the squad have demonstrated in that time has been exemplary."
With both sides having players away at WXV action, there's a real opportunity for players still bedding in to make a statement.
Tigers have 12 players away on international duty as well as missing the likes of Meg Jones, who is still recovering from an injury suffered in Red Roses camp.
This gives a chance for new combinations to flourish, including a blossoming centre partnership between Katie Childs and Evie Wills, whilst Jordan Russell will start in the backrow alongside stalwarts Morgan Richardson and captain Roisin McBrien for the third successive match.
Sunday's hosts also have a number of players away on international duty, not least influential co-captains Zoe Aldcroft and Natasha 'Mo' Hunt.
They still have a number of weapons in their side, including fullback Emma Sing who beat more defenders than any other Gloucester-Hartpury player in the PWR Up series (5) and a new signing in fly half Ellie Green who is the second top scorer in the history of the women's Premiership (484 points).
Going into the match, Leicester enjoy the better form of the two. In the pre-season PWR Up series, Tigers lost at home to Sale Sharks in their opening fixture before heading to cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens and picking up a hard-fought win over local rivals Loughborough Lightning.
Gloucester-Hartpury, meanwhile, suffered tough losses in both of their PWR Up fixtures, at home to Exeter Chiefs and away to Bristol Bears.
"The performances in PWR Up were a great benchmark for us but we're all aware the real challenge starts now" said Hudson.
Last time the two sides met at Kingsholm, a first-ever Premiership away game for Tigers, the hosts were ruthless, running out 52 - 14 winners.
In the rematch, however, Leicester were much improved. A rapid start saw tries from Roisin McBrien, Meg Jones and Francesca McGhie help the side to a 19 - 07 half time lead before a scrappy second half saw Tigers fall just short by 24 - 33.
"What I want from the team is to bring the same intensity from our last clash with Gloucester; which means working hard in defence and bravery in attack.
"We need to take the game to them in the same, confident way the squad have approached the pre-season and PWR Up Series."
The trip to Kingsholm means a trip to the back-to-back PWR champions and the hosts have made their intentions clear in wanting to become the first team in history to win three in succession.
"The Gloucester-Hartpury record speaks for itself and we know it will be a proper battle."
TNT Sports is showing the match live on Sunday (October 6) at 12.45pm.
Leicester Tigers will return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road for three successive Premiership home games, starting from Sunday, October 20!
All three games are on sale now and you can see the full details below:
- Leicester Tigers v Harlequins | Sunday, October 20 (kick off: 5.45pm)
- Leicester Tigers v Trailfinders Women | Sunday, November 3 (kick off: 3pm)
- Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears | Saturday, November 9 (kick off: 12pm)
Alternatively, make the obvious choice with a 2024/25 Season Ticket.
Guaranteeing entry to every single regular season home match in Premiership Women's Rugby, a season ticket offers the best value and most convenient way to support Leicester Tigers women.
With a host of exclusive benefits and a FREE option for Under-12s, make the obvious choice today!
