Leicester Tigers launch their pre-season programme in the Channel Islands today (Friday, 5.00pm) with a game against Championship club Jersey Reds.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named a squad of 24 players, captained by scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet who led England Under-20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this summer.

The game comes at the end of a week-long training camp, the third time Tigers have spent some of their summer in Jersey.

“We’ve been training hard and getting to know each other with more time together,” said Borthwick.

“We’ve been as careful as Covid restrictions allow, but it is an opportunity to spend time with each other that we’ve not been able to do in the last 18 months.

“Through the three pre-season games, there will be opportunities for everybody to play. There is a lot of potential for growth and the thing that gives us a chance of that is the attitude we approach the contest. That means a lot of hard work, a great level of intensity and playing hard for each other.”

Freddie Burns makes his first appearance in his second spell with the club and the backline also includes recent arrivals Juan Pablo Socino, Bryce Hegarty and Hosea Saumaki. Francois van Wyk starts at prop in his first game for Tigers.

Fellow summer signings Dan Richardson, Eli Snyman, Dan Lancaster and Gareth Evans are among the replacements, together with former Reds prop Dan Richardson and academy graduates Jacob Cusick, Joe Browning and Archie Vanes. 

Jersey Reds include former Tigers centre Jack Roberts alongside Ryan Olowofela - twin brother of Tigers wing Jordan - in their backline. Back-rower Guy Thompson, now in his second stint at the club, and on-loan Harry Simmons are also named in a 29-man squad.

Supporters can follow updates from the touchlines on Tigers social media throughout the evening, with reaction to follow on social media, website and app. Please note there is no Matchday Live commentary in place for the pre-season fixtures.

Coverage is also available via livestream link. Click here to find out more.

Tigers return to home ground next Saturday for a game against the Dragons (2.00pm) and host the Scarlets on Thursday, September 9 (7.00pm). Entry to both games is included as part of season tickets, and match tickets are on sale now to all other supporters.

The new Gallagher Premiership season kicks off at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday, September 18 (3.00pm) when Exeter Chiefs are the visitors. Tickets are on sale now, including early bird places at just £15 adults, £5 juniors. Book online, or phone the Tigers ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2).