Argentina have added a game against Leicester Tigers to their Rugby World Cup preparations early next year. The Pumas, conquerors of England at Twickenham for the first time on Saturday, have agreed to play against Tigers at Welford Road on Sunday, February 11 (kick-off 3pm) as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.
In announcing the fixture today, Tigers managing director David Clayton said: "We are delighted that the Argentina Rugby Union have agreed to bring a team to play against Leicester. It promises to be an excellent occasion for all of our supporters and for those rugby fans from further afield who want to come and see Leicester Tigers play against an international team.
"We look forward to welcoming the Argentina players, coaches, staff and supporters to Welford Road. This game will also provide our players with an excellent opportunity to face international opposition within the excellent atmosphere of Welford Road."
Tigers legend Les Cusworth is now based in Argentina and is playing a prominent part in the development of the game there. The squad, who are drawn in the same group as Ireland and hosts France at the World Cup, are now the sixth-ranked nation in the world and have many of their top players, including Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza, based in Europe and playing full-time professional rugby.
The Argentinian Rugby Union have permission to call upon their French-based players for the match against Tigers and can name a strong squad. Tigers head coach Pat Howard will be able to use the game to maintain the match fitness of his squad during a break from the Guinness Premiership fixtures in the first weeks of February. Ticket prices for the visit of the Argentina squad will be announced in the next few days.
In announcing the fixture today, Tigers managing director David Clayton said: "We are delighted that the Argentina Rugby Union have agreed to bring a team to play against Leicester. It promises to be an excellent occasion for all of our supporters and for those rugby fans from further afield who want to come and see Leicester Tigers play against an international team.
"We look forward to welcoming the Argentina players, coaches, staff and supporters to Welford Road. This game will also provide our players with an excellent opportunity to face international opposition within the excellent atmosphere of Welford Road."
Tigers legend Les Cusworth is now based in Argentina and is playing a prominent part in the development of the game there. The squad, who are drawn in the same group as Ireland and hosts France at the World Cup, are now the sixth-ranked nation in the world and have many of their top players, including Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza, based in Europe and playing full-time professional rugby.
The Argentinian Rugby Union have permission to call upon their French-based players for the match against Tigers and can name a strong squad. Tigers head coach Pat Howard will be able to use the game to maintain the match fitness of his squad during a break from the Guinness Premiership fixtures in the first weeks of February. Ticket prices for the visit of the Argentina squad will be announced in the next few days.
