Leicester Tigers welcomed two teams to kick off a new decade of the Ultimate Big Boot challenge during half-time as Tigers 31-18 victory in Round 8 of the Gallagher Premiership.   

A team of young players from Newark Rugby Club and Lichfield Rugby Club took to the Welford Road pitch in front of more than 19,000 supporters trying to catch rugby balls fired high into the sky as part of our matchday entertainment.

With a £100 prize for the winner of the matchday head to head as well as a jackpot prize for a cleansweep of 10 catches, it was the side from Newark who made five catches against two from Lichfield to win the head-to-head prize.Newark's score of five catches have proved the season's best score to date this season. 

Adam Onahan, who was among the catchers from Newark, said: “We took part in the Big Boot last year and we try to make it a yearly thing.

“This year we didn’t do as well as last time we were here, but I managed to catch one.

“I’m a big Tigers fan and have been following them for around five years so this is great.”

Jason Gwilt, who was with the Lichfield group, said: “It was brilliant, we had great fun and it’s a great day out for everyone. We weren’t that organised but you could tell everyone enjoyed it.”

Fourteen year old Jacques Welham also had the opportunity to take part in our Golden Big Boot challenge to win £150 of Joules vouchers. With one chance to catch one ball, unfortunately Jacques was unable to catch his ball, but instead won a STIHL ball to take home. 

As part of a season ticket extra, we will be rolling over the Golden Big Boot challenge, so if you're a season ticket holder, keep an eye out for details of how to get involved in our email updates. 

Sponsored by De Montfort University, the Ultimate Big Boot is available for group bookings and all competitors receive a Big Boot T-shirt as a souvenir. All participants must be aged 14 or over. For more information on how to get involved, phone the group sales team on 0116 2171 216.