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Tigers take first steps in Jersey

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Leicester Tigers open the pre-season programme with a fixture in Jersey this afternoon (4.00pm).

The Tigers squad have spent the last couple of days on the island and were welcomed by Jersey FC and Ashburton for an eve-of-match barbeque on Friday.

Around 100 of the club’s supporters, who had been on the road since 2.30am, joined the group at St Peters and were rewarded were some fine Jersey hospitality in the company of the players.

Saturday’s fixture represents a first for the hosts since winning promotion to the Championship, and a first opportunity for Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill to see his squad in match action.

The England internationals joined their club colleagues on Friday after spending a few days with the national squad this week.

Cockerill said: “We got a lot of work done at our training camp last week, we’re integrating guys who’ve come back in at different times this summer and now we’ve got a chance to get out on the pitch.

“Jersey are a very ambitious club, we’ve got some strong links with the island, and we’re delighted to be here.

“Saturday should be a good occasion in front of a big home crowd and we’re looking forward to it.”

A number of the summer signings, including Vereniki Goneva, Adam Thompstone, Matt Cornwell and Brett Deacon, will gain some game-time in the first of three pre-season fixtures, while Martin Castrogiovanni, George Chuter and club captain Geordan Murphy are among the senior players on duty.

The Jersey squad for the new season includes former Saracens and Wasps wing Richard Haughton and second-rower Dave Markham, who had a season with Tigers before moving to Gloucester. Former Tigers fly-half Ross Broadfoot is also a key member of the squad which gained promotion.

Tigers will be wearing the new Baltic Blue away kit in Jersey, as well as in next weekend’s match against Ulster in Belfast.

We’ll have report, reaction and photo diaries from the Jersey fixture on the Tigers club website, and you can also keep in touch via Facebook and Twitter.

The only home fixture of the pre-season programme is against Nottingham on Saturday, August 25 (kick-off 3pm). Tickets are available now from the Tigers ticket office. This match is included in all 2012/13 season tickets.