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Rugby News

Harrison puts emotions on hold before farewell

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Sam Harrison admits that Saturday’s last hurrah at Welford Road will bring up some “weird” feelings but, in typical Sam fashion, says he won’t be dragged into the emotion of his final appearance for Leicester Tigers until the full-time whistle in the Gallagher Premiership clash with Bristol Bears.

The 29-year-old announced his departure from the club in October and, after more than 170 appearances for the club over more than a decade, will play his last game in the Round 8 showdown at Welford Road.

“When full time comes, I’m sure I’ll have some emotions about it all coming to an end … but for now, it’s just about enjoying the last week with all the lads at Oval Park and preparing for the game.”

Speaking to LeicesterTigers.com as the build-up to his last outing in the green, red and white of Leicester Tigers began, following the side’s 30-all with Harlequins at Twickenham in Round 7, Harrison said his decorated career at the club has been a “dream” come true.

“It has come around quickly, it’s a bit of a weird feeling to know that it will be the last time I get the chance to run out at Welford Road,” said Harrison.

“I’ve been lucky enough to call Welford Road home for my whole career and, growing as a Tigers fan, the opportunity to play for Leicester, for so long, has been a dream.”

However, while Tigers supporters and Harrison’s own family and friends celebrate his time in a Tigers shirt, the Hinckley born-and-bred halfback says his mind is solely on the job at hand for the side on Saturday afternoon.

“Right now, as cliché as it is, I am just focused on the game against Bristol … we need a result and it’s important that I do what I have to do to help us get it at home on Saturday,” he said.

“When full time comes, I’m sure I’ll have some emotions about it all coming to an end … but for now, it’s just about enjoying the last week with all the lads at Oval Park and preparing for the game.”

Harrison and his wife Brodie will relocate to Australia in January as he purses professional opportunities away from rugby and, when laying on the beaches down under, the departing Tiger will make time to look back on his career in Leicester.

“I’m not going to reminisce on my time just yet, there is plenty of time for me to do that on Australian beaches in the future … I’m just going to do my job this week and will leave all the mushy, farewell stuff for when the time comes after it’s all over.”