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Rugby News

Preview | Rugby returns this Friday evening

Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks finally return to action on Friday evening in Round 7 of the Gallagher Premiership season at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Due to the continued impact of Covid-19 and the suspension of European club competitions, Tigers have not played since a home win over Bath Rugby on January 3 and the Sharks have announced the arrival of new boss Alex Sanderson since their win over Worcester Warriors three weeks ago.

Tigers captain Tom Youngs, preparing for his 200th first-team appearance for the club, said: “Sale are a very good side, they are physical, they have a good defence and they are a top-four side.

“We’ve talked about that and prepared for that this week and we’re just looking forward to getting back to playing again. The feeling you get in doing all that training is that you always want a game at the end of it and we’ve not been able to do that in the last few weeks.

“We’re lucky to be able to do what we love and over the last few weeks I think it makes you realise that even more when we haven’t had those games.”

Tigers and Sale meet for the 99th time in a rivalry dating back 130 years. The win record stands at 67-26 in favour of Tigers, with five games drawn. Of the 56 previous meetings on Tigers turf, Sale have won seven times, with one draw.

The Sharks have won their last two games in Gallagher Premiership action, beating Gloucester away and Worcester Warriors at home. They have also lost just once on their travels in the league since August and have won the last four meetings of the teams in all competitions, including their last trip to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in September.

In team news, skipper Tom Youngs and long-time front-row partner Dan Cole are joined by South African prop Luan de Bruin in the starting line-up, while Richard Wigglesworth returns from suspension to start at scrum-half.

Argentina international hooker Julián Montoya is in line for his club debut after being included among the replacements.

Sharks centre Sam James makes his 150th Sale appearance, with his brother Luke lining up at full-back. Bevan Rodd continues at loosehead prop after making a big impression so far this season and Cobus Wiese plays against older brother Jasper for the first time in their careers.

Ahead of his first game in charge, director of rugby Sanderson said: “Steve Borthwick is getting the Tigers back to where they used to be and they are becoming extremely difficult to beat. Without doubt, it’s going to be a physical encounter on Friday. We need to make sure we match the overall intensity that Leicester have been showing over 80 minutes recently.”

Match referee is Ian Tempest and there is live coverage of the game on BT Sport 1 Extra, with the Match Pass service available to season ticket holders without a subscription. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Or keep in touch throughout the weekend with the club’s website, app and social media, including Matchday Live from the stadium.