Geordan Murphy chats to LTTV to share his thoughts on the pre-season schedule so far, including last weekend's win over Cardiff Blues in Wales and the upcoming clash with Benetton Rugby in Treviso on Friday night.
The Tigers assistant coach admits the win over the Blues at Cardiff Arms Park in wet conditions wasn't the most appealing of matches but says the coaching staff were pleased with the effort and performance of a side featuring a mix of both youth and experience, including several new faces to the environment ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
"On the whole, I think the guys are in a pretty good place."
Geordan Murphy
Murphy, a former Tigers outside-back, also praised Jordan Olowofela's contribution from fullback last weekend and the debut performance of new recruit Sam Aspland-Robinson at Cardiff Arms Park in what was the off-season signing's first game in more than 12 months after a knee injury in his final season with Harlequins.
"I thought Jordan Olowofela was very imposing from fullback," Murphy said.
"Sam Aspland-Robinson in his debut for Tigers was very impressive."
Olowofela and fellow England U20s back Tom Hardwick spoke to LTTV earlier today from Welford Road, with the development squad duo sharing their aspirations for the year ahead, what they've been working on this pre-season and even their thoughts on the new Tigers home and alternate kits for the 2018/19 season.
"Some of the guys who didn't play Cardiff will get some time under their belts."
Geordan Murphy
In a hint for supporters ahead of the match at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Friday (August 17) evening, Murphy suggested that this week's Tigers team would include players who did not feature against the Blues in the pre-season opener as the Leicester squad look to build momentum ahead of a Gallagher Premiership opener away to Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, September 1.
One man who may well be a part of the Tigers travelling party to Treviso is Mike Williams, who also dropped his own hint on whether he would be playing after he told LTTV this week he was "excited" about a return to the pitch in Italy.
Tigers third and final pre-season fixture in the 2018/19 schedule is on Friday, August 24 against London Irish and Murphy is keen to see a "party atmosphere' in the Welford Road stands for the lone friendly of the new year before the Gallagher Premiership season begins eight days later in Exeter.
Entry to the match is FREE for Tigers Season Ticket Holders. Sign-up today to see 17 games at the historic Welford Road in the upcoming season, including all League and Cup (European and Premiership) fixtures, for the price of just 12 at LeicesterTigers.com/seasontickets or contact the Ticket Office on 0116 319 8888.
