Brett Deacon previews the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final trip to London Irish.

Leicester Tigers have named a youthful outfit for the trip to Brentford Community Stadium - the youngest of the 21/22 season to date in all competitions - including 18 players to have made their club debut this season.

Speaking about The Exiles, Deacon said: “London Irish are a side capable of scoring points, from almost anywhere on the pitch, and have some attacking threats throughout their side.”

“You can see the quality in the side they have named, which will be a good test for us as a young group away from home.”

Looking at the Leicester matchday squad named, which includes 10 players to have graduated from the Tigers Academy programme, he added: “It is a great privilege for these players, a lot of them still young men and early on in their rugby journey, to represent the club in a semi-final and we are excited to see them in action, together, on Tuesday night.

“This competition has been great for providing opportunities for players this season, which is important for the club.

“What I will say is that while it has been great for development, each player that has been selected - whether it is a debut or not - has earned the chance to represent Leicester Tigers.”

Asked about whether the focus would be solely on developing the next generation of Leicester Tigers or looking to progress to the Cup Final, Deacon was very clear of the intentions.

“We play to win, every single game,” Deacon said.

“Every Leicester Tigers team is aiming to win, every single game we play. Focusing on performance, improving, developing can still happen with that - but we always aim to win.

“Just like what is asked of every Leicester Tigers team, every week, we want to see a performance on Tuesday night in London that is something our supporters will be proud of at full-time.”