Festive rugby has arrived in earnest in the Gallagher Premiership and Leicester Tigers travel southwest for a Pre-Christmas clash with Exeter Chiefs.

Sandy Park is a reported sell-out, Exeter have been the surprise package of this season so far, but Tigers, coming off five wins in a row in call competitions, will be hoping to keep their momentum going into their new year’s eve game at home against Bath.

It won’t be easy, however. The Chiefs have won 23 times on the trot on their home patch, but Tigers have sent their big hitters down for this one, including a supercharged, beefed up pack of forwards.

TEAM NEWS

Exeter have their captain, Jack Yeandle back at hooker and Ollie Devoto in the centres to partner the in-form Henry Slade. Looshead prop Scott Sio played eight seasons under Dan McKellar at the ACT Brumbies.

Ollie Chessum starts at blindside flanker, the England international joining an elite list of forwards that have played in the 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 jerseys for Leicester.

Centre Solomone Kata will be a familiar face in the southwest after spending last season at the Chiefs.

STATS ANDS FACTS

Leicester Tigers have won their last five matches in all competitions since Harlequins beat them 29-25 at Mattioli Woods Welford Round in Round 5 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby.

Tigers have won three of their last four away games in all competitions.

The Tigers have won three of their last four fixtures against the Chiefs, whilst their only victory at Sandy Park since 2014 was 22-17 in March 2022.

Overall, the two sides have met on 68 previous occasions since the first clash at Exeter's old County Ground in January 1899; Leicester have won 41, Exeter 23 and four games drawn.

Fourteen of those matches have been at Sandy Park where the Tigers record is won 5, lost nine.

DETAILS

Gallagher Premiership Round Nine

Leicester Tigers vs Exeter Chiefs

Sandy Park, Exeter

3pm kick-off

HOW TO WATCH

The game is live and exclusive on TNT Sports and our travelling support is supported by Sportsbreak travel.