Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers (Gallagher Premiership Rugby) - Saturday, September 21, kick-off 3:05pm

Leicester Tigers have named their matchday squad for round of the Gallagher Premiership against Exeter Chiefs at 3:05pm on Saturday, September 21 at Sandy Park.

In his first official game in charge of the club, Leicester head coach Michael Cheika has named lock Ollie Chessum as captain.

Chessum will have Tigers Academy graduate, Jack van Poortvliet as his vice-captain.

Packing down alongside Chessum in the second-row is Harry Wells, who will make his 200th appearance for the club.

There are more potential milestones in the opening fixture with Joe Heyes reaching 100 Gallagher Premiership games and Solomone Kata earning his 20th appearance Tigers tie, a longstanding tradition at the club.

Izaia Perese and Nicky Smith will debut for Tigers in the starting side with Ben Volavola and Côme Joussain also in-line for their first Tigers appearance from the bench.

Leicester Tigers head coach, Michael Cheika said: “It’s an exciting game for everyone at the club.

“We’re all looking forward to this first league game of the season. We’ve made good progress over the pre-season and still have a long way to go but this is how we get there; playing for points each weekend, starting in Exeter.

“I’m really happy to see Harry reach 200 games. It’s a fantastic achievement and I know everyone will be doing all they can to make it a special day for him.

“Ollie and Jack have earned the right to lead with their actions throughout pre-season, and they’ll be supported a team of players who are all ready to do their jobs and enjoy what will be a tough battle together for the first time in Tigers colours.”