The first home game of the 2024/25 Premiership Women's Rugby season sees Leicester Tigers host Harlequins Women at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Sunday, October 20, in the second match of a Double Header.
Ahead of the women's league fixture, the men's side take on Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership - which doubles as the first Slater Cup showdown of the campaign.
Tickets are still available for Sunday's game, which includes a host of activities ahead of the men's match for supporters to enjoy. Find out more HERE.
Tigers come into the match with mixed form; one win and one loss from the PWR Up series has been followed up by two difficult away losses, first to reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury and last year's semi-finalists Exeter Chiefs.
'Quins have also struggled in the early rounds. They lost both of their PWR Up fixtures, to Trailfinders Women and Saracens Women respectively, while they have also suffered defeat in the opening two rounds of Premiership Women's Rugby having hosted, coincidentally, Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester-Hartpury.
Harlequins have long been known for rugby filled with flair across the club and they will be looking for their carrying and footwork to win the day. The visitors will more than likely look to keep the ball in hand to score, having made a league high number of 186 carries per 80 minutes.
Tigers suffered a tough defeat in their last meeting with 'Quins, falling 47 - 12 at Twickenham Stoop. However, the last PWR meeting at Mattioli Woods Welford Road resulted in a thriller, with both sides trading several tries as the visitors clinched a close 24 - 33 victory.
Head Coach Tom Hudson is excited at the prospect of returning home.
"It's always great to see so many familiar faces supporting us and we hope, with the men's game on before, we'll get a few new faces sticking around and seeing what we can offer," said Hudson.
"I can guarantee you'll see plenty of dynamic, front-foot rugby from both sides as well as the level of graft and commitment that defines Leicester Tigers."
Sunday's match will also see the return of a number of international stars from Test duty as part of this season's WXV competitions.
Six international players have been named in the matchday squad, with representatives from Canada, Scotland, South Africa and the USA.
These include Leah Bartlett and Francesca McGhie, both of whom started and scored in Scotland's final round match to Australia, while supporters should watch out for the lock duo of Springbok Catha Jacobs and Canadian Julia Omokhuale, both of whom are known for their elite physicality in the contact area.
On the returning stars, Hudson added: "We're excited to welcome a number of our international stars back into the fold. The enthusiasm and commitment they've brought back has given everyone a lift and we look forward to them representing Leicester Tigers once again."
However, the immense hard work and progress made throughout a gruelling pre-season programme and the season's opening games will not fall by the wayside, with a competitive squad balance optimal to ensure progress on the field.
Over the PWR Up series and the opening league fixtures, supporters have seen the likes of established Tigers stalwarts Charlotte Fray, Morgan Richardson and Katie Childs continue to further their development at Premiership level.
Meanwhile, debutants like Evie Wills and Elin Beaver have contributed six tries in the last three matches, while Jordan Russell leads the side for try assists (2), line breaks (4) and turnovers (4).
"Over the course of the PWR Up series and our opening games we've seen a number of players make real strides," Hudson said on the start to the season.
"The midfield combination of Katie Childs and Evie Wills gets better and better each time they step out together while the dynamism added by the likes of Jordan [Russell] and Elin [Beaver] has been fantastic to watch.
"Those international players are coming into a highly competitive environment, one in which we have established clear squad depth which will be vital in a sprint of a season".
Be there for a dynamite Double Header or make the obvious choice and purchase a women's Season Ticket for 2024/25!
At just £48 for an adult, it works out at a bargain price of just over £5 per match. For those who attended last year, Renewals can be secured for just £36 while Under-12s can secure a Season Ticket for absolutely FREE!
Each Season Ticket comes with a range of exclusive benefits which allow you to make the most of a matchday.
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.
Make the obvious choice today!
