Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben White has described the ‘honour’ of leading out the team in head coach Steve Borthwick’s first game at Welford Road.

With 13 changes to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership clash against Bath – and with White promoted to a starting role – the young scrum-half captains the side for the first time on home turf.

And, while that might mean extra responsibility on his shoulders this afternoon, White explained how every man on the field has a role to play if Tigers are to protect their run of home victories.

“There have been some amazing leaders at the club, past and present, and to be able to train with them and learn off them throughout the years has given me the ability that, when given the chance to be captain, I felt it was a real honour,” said the Tigers Academy graduate.

“But whenever we’re in a game, there are 15 leaders on the pitch, 23 leaders in the matchday squad that are all passionate about winning and know the game plan inside and out, so as a leader it feels like they’ve got your back.

“Obviously there are certain things that you have to do more of and pick up on, but we’ve got a strong squad and with a lot of leaders within that squad that make the captain’s job easier.”

Tigers face Bath Rugby in Round 15 of the Gallagher Premiership, with the visitors riding high after victory over London Irish last time out.

White continued: “Bath are a good side with quality players, but we’ve looked at what we do in the week and how we adapt to them, and made sure that we’ve practised our game plan throughout the week.

“All the way through this mini pre-season block, we’ve said our focus is on us and how we want to play the game, and to dictate how we make Bath play the game.”