The Swiss city of Geneva hosts Tigers’ game against French Top 14 side Montpellier – as well as another Anglo-French encounter between Harlequins and Racing Metro – in the Legion Geneva Challenge.
Director of rugby Richard Cockerill says the squad will be looking forward to the start of a three-game run up to the opening Aviva Premiership fixture against Worcester Warriors at Welford Road on September 8.
Cockerill said: “The players have been working hard since they came back into training but everyone will want to get some game-time under their belt now.
“It’s great to be getting ready for that first game and to be involved in an event like this in a lovely country, at a good venue and in tournament organised by Legion Sports International.
“Montpellier are a very good side and they are a few weeks ahead of us in terms of the new season. They’ve played two games already and their season starts ahead of ours. They have picked from just about their strongest squad available as you would expect with their season starting in a week’s time.
“We’re missing a few guys for various reasons but all the players will want to make the most of their chance. Neil Briggs, David Mele, Jerome Schuster and Ryan Lamb are among the new signings with us and they’ll be looking forward to the opportunity to play their first game for the club. We’ve brought some of the younger members of the squad too and they’ll have their opportunities.
“It’ll be great to get that first game under way because it’s all part of making sure everything is ready for September 8 and that first Aviva Premiership game.”
