Steve Borthwick previews the club’s first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Leicester Tigers Head Coach and his squad have spent the week on the Channel Island preparing for the new campaign, which includes back-to-back pre-season fixtures.

Follow Friday’s fixture against the Reds, Tigers welcome Newcastle Falcons to Leicester a week later.

Speaking following the final squad session of the week, Borthwick said the expectation was for another tough match against the Championship high-flyers.

“It is great to be playing Jersey again,” said Borthwick.

“They are a good side, have added some good players over the summer after finishing towards the top of the Championship last season.

“We had a hard-fought game against them last pre-season and we are expecting another.”

Borthwick’s 30-man matchday squad includes a handful of new additions over the summer who will make their club debuts.

“It is exciting for those guys who will play their first game for Leicester Tigers,” said the Tigers Head Coach.

“What a fantastic opportunity for all of them to share in it together, I am pleased for each of them – whether they are a new player to the club or a young man like Finn Carnduff making the step up from academy rugby.

“As a group, we are looking forward to being on the field together.”

The Stade Santander International is set to be filled with plenty of Reds fans on Friday evening but Borthwick is confident that the travelling Tigers will be in the mix.

“We are so fortunate to have the support we do, every single week, home and away,” added Borthwick.

“There have been Tigers shirts spotted on the island this week and we are looking forward to being out there representing those supporters and those at home.”