Leicester Tigers return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Sunday, November 3, in the side's first solo Premiership fixture of 24/25.
Following a double header fixture two weeks ago against Harlequins, Tigers will welcome Trailfiders Women to the East-Midlands, a chance for supporters to be a part of a revamped women's matchday experience.
"We always get excited ahead of home matches because there's simply nothing better than running out in front of cheering supporters." said Head Coach Tom Hudson.
"Our goals over these last two weeks are around thriving under pressure: both how we acknowledge that pressure and how we deal with it in an effective manner. We know we have world class talent across this side and it's simply a case of bringing everything together. It will come."
Tigers were defeated in their opening three PWR matches of 24/25, with tough away trips to champions Gloucester-Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs followed up by a loss to Harlequins in the first double header of the season.
Trailfinders, meanwhile, have one victory from their opening three matches, their win coming when they ran in ten tries in a 64 - 33 thriller with Loughborough Lightning, a result bookended by tight away losses to Saracens and Exeter Chiefs.
"Although we were happy with large parts of our opener against Gloucester-Hartpury, the result against Harlequins was not good enough.
"We know standards on field have to improve, especially for our home matches, which has lead to the most competitive week of training I've seen in my time here. The rest weekend has lead to a squad that is invigorated and excited to play.
"Everyone is champing at the bit to get stuck in and we need to use that hunger to fuel our performance."
Physicality has been a key part of the sides early efforts: Leicester have made the most tackle turnovers (1.7) per 80, averaged the most post-contact metres (1.4) while 26.8% of their carries have been dominant, a figure which places them joint top in the league overall.
These efforts have been lead from the front by Charlotte Fray, set to captain the side once again, with the abrasive forward leading the team for carries (46), dominant carries (13), and post-contact metres (60) in the opening three matches.
The visitors, meanwhile, offer an array of threats, especially with such outstanding runners across the park.
In the last round, Trailfinders made the second-most carry metres (555) and averaged the second-most metres per carry (4.2) and metres per possession (13.9).
Supporters should prepare themselves for a hard-hitting contest, with Trailfinders level with Tigers for the highest proportion of dominant carries so far this season (also 26.8%).
"Trailfinders are a well run side; the foundations and the standards Giselle (Mather) put in place there have been continued through Barney (Maddison, current head coach).
"They play a very physical game that we know will test our players. They love to kick long and try and play the game in their opponent's half, which is something we will have to be conscious of. Naturally, the threats they possess out wide, the likes of Abby Dow and Vicky Laflin, are lethal so we need to ensure our defending in the channels is superb."
The visitors have welcomed a number of players back from international duty following the conclusion of WXV action, including the aforementioned Dow as well as Scottish flyer Chloe Rollie, Candian lock Tyson Beukeboom and USA (and club) captain Kate Zackary.
Tigers will also welcome back several international names to the starting XV, with seven changes made to the side who started the last home match against Harlequins.
Test stars Amy Cokayne, Claire Gallagher and Emily Henrich start in their returns to action for the club, while fellow internationals Eva Donaldson, Francesca McGhie and Tess Feury are included in the starting side after appearing off the bench a fortnight ago at home against Harlequins Women.
"Competition for places is at an all-time high at the moment; the players have not just got to demonstrate quality but also the commitment and toughness that defines this club.
"It's great to welcome back the internationals fully into the fold, it's a great boost.
"The likes of Amy Cokayne just add so much, not just in the set piece but across the week, at training and beyond.
"For me, we're talking about the best hooker in the world.
"Throughout her entire career she has demonstrated exemplary standards, on and off the field. She's excited to be back in Tigers stripes this weekend and running out at home."
The match this Sunday will be broadcast live on TNT Sports for those who can't make it to Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
