Leicester Tigers take another step towards kick-off in the Women’s Championship with a pre-season outing against London Irish at Oval Park this Saturday.

After beginning the pre-season programme against a Bristol Bears team that finished third in the top flight last year, Tigers now face an Irish team who topped Championship South in each of the last three years.

The league campaign begins with a trip to Bishop Auckland in two weeks’ time and a first home game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road against Cheltenham, on Saturday, October 1.

“London Irish have a lot of experience at Championship level and they’ll provide another tough test going into the season,” said Vicky Macqueen head of the Tigers’ women’s rugby programme.

“This is a new team we’re putting together but we want a really strong performance, building on our shapes and structures while also getting more time together on the pitch.

“Workrate is one of the key things we will be looking for – players getting back on their feet and ready for the next job – and a lot of that comes from players getting to know each other.”

The squad have been training at Oval Park and at partner club Lichfield in preparation for the new season.

“I’m really impressed with the strides we’ve made in pre-season,” added Macqueen.

“It is a new team and it is all about getting everyone on the same page. Having the same messages has been key. Everyone is coming together as a squad and working hard for each other.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 5.30pm and supporters are welcome at Oval Park. Please note there is no parking available onsite.