Steve Borthwick says the Leicester Tigers squad are excited ahead of the club’s return to Gallagher Premiership action.

The Tigers travel to Newcastle in the penultimate round of the regular Gallagher Premiership season to face the Falcons at Kingston Park on Saturday (Kick-off: 3.00pm).

Speaking at the club’s Oval Park training ground in the build-up to the Round 25 fixture, Borthwick said: "Newcastle are a team with a powerful scrum and maul, with a dynamic pack.”

“They then have real pace in the backline, which means they can score tries in many different ways - posing a variety of threats.

"It's a really exciting challenge for us and one we are really looking forward to."

Leicester’s most recent Premiership match in Newcastle was three years ago, in April 2019, and Borthwick knows the Falcons will have extra motivation on Saturday afternoon as they look to send-off their long-serving Director of Rugby, Dean Richards, in his final home game.

“If you look at his impact in English rugby, as an England player, a player that lifted a lot of trophies and what he has done as a Director of Rugby, his impact is enormous,” said Borthwick.

“It is a big week for the Falcons with Dean Richards’ final game in charge in Newcastle and, after all he has given and done for the club, his players will be giving their all for him on Saturday afternoon.”

Borthwick names his matchday squad for the trip to Newcastle at midday on Friday, May 20.