Club chairman Peter Tom welcomed the guests on to the Welford Road pitch at half-time and presented a limited-edition 125th anniversary ball signed by 15 of Leicester Tigers’ greatest-ever players to Gian Francesco Lupatelli, president of the European Capital of Sport Association.
He was accompanied on to the pitch by Councillor Rory Palmer, 2012 Olympic envoy for Leicester City Council; Lord Mayor’s Consort Mr Chris Hunt and John Swanson, general secretary of the European Capital of Sport Association Northern Europe.
Visitors included delegates from Stuttgart, Rimini, Madrid, Dublin, Cardiff and Glasgow, and all enjoyed the big-match atmosphere and the excitement of Heineken Cup rugby as Tigers beat Leinster 25-9.
Their visit was the culmination of a three-day visit to the city which included attendance at Leicester City Council’s Sports Conference at the Walkers Stadium.
“The name of Leicester Tigers is known throughout Europe and we were delighted that we could welcome the officials who had bestowed the European City of Sport title upon Leicester, as well as representatives of the City Council, for a big Heineken Cup occasion at Welford Road,” said Tigers chairman Peter Tom.
Tigers have another international occasion on home soil next month when Welford Road hosts the international rugby match between England Saxons and Ireland A on Friday, February 1.
