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Fit-again Erinle is raring to go

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Ayoola Erinle says he cannot wait to get started as he prepares for his first appearance in a Leicester Tigers shirt against visitors Montauban on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The England Saxons international moved to Welford Road from London Wasps at the end of last season but has had to delay his debut due to a neck injury.

Now recovered, he starts on the wing for the final match before the start of the Guinness Premiership season away to Bristol on September 16.

"It has been quite a frustrating time over the last few weeks since I reported back for pre-season," said the 27-year-old Erinle.

"I have probably been close to getting into contention just recently, but it is a long season and there is no sense in taking any undue risks, especially with so many of the guys away at the World Cup.

"But now I am raring to go and I just want to get the game underway.

"I have been a bit behind everyone else in the squad in terms of training because I have had the injury, but I feel in excellent shape now. I have lost weight during the summer and I feel in the best shape I have been for a while."

Tom Varndell is named on the other wing for Saturday's game, with Johne Murphy at full-back. Sam Vesty, who made his return from a knee injury in the win over Bayonne last Saturday, is joined by Ollie Smith in the centre. Christophe Laussucq makes his first start at scrum-half, with Paul Burke at No.10.

The forward pack includes summer signings Boris Stankovich and Mefin Davies alongside Julian White in the front row, with Owen Finegan and Tom Croft at lock, and Brett Deacon joined by Luke Abraham and Jordan Crane in the back row.

Benjamin Kayser, Alex Moreno, Ben Youngs and Andy Goode are among the replacements as coach Richard Cockerill puts the finishing touches to his preparations for the Premiership kick-off.

Tickets for the Montauban game are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office and cash turnstiles will be available on the day. Contact the Tigers ticket office on 08701 28 34 30.