England Saxons will be aiming to build on their 2007 Barclays Churchill Cup success when they come to Welford Road in February.

The Saxons - formerly England A - won the Churchill Cup at Twickenham in June after final victory over the New Zealand Maori, and the February 1 fixture against Ireland A presents an opportunity to carry on that form.

Tigers forwards Jordan Crane and Tom Croft were involved in the summer squad, together with Ayoola Erinle and Richard Blaze, and Leicester supporters will be hoping to see more of their favourites in national colours on home soil in the New Year.

Tigers No8 Crane played in the Churchill Cup Final and he says it was a serious target for the squad from they day they first got together.
"There is a winning mentality in the Saxons squad," he says. "There certainly was last season. From the off we said it was a chance to win it, we set out our stall that we wanted to win the Churchill Cup and play good rugby.

"Part of that is perhaps knowing you are close to the senior international squad.

"England rugby was not going great at the time and the opportunity was there for us to win something. Beating the New Zealand Maori in the final at Twickenham was great. Beating any New Zealand team is always tough so we were pleased to do that."

Frank Murphy and Johne Murphy played in the Churchill Cup for Ireland A in the summer while clubmate Ian Humphreys gained his first representative honours at that level earlier in the season.

"If you have international ambitions you know there is a chance you will play against mates from your club," says Crane. "There are a few Irish guys here chasing a place in the squad, just as the England guys are doing."

After playing in all of Tigers' opening eight games of the season - and scoring two tries in the EDF Energy Cup win over Cardiff Blues - Johne Murphy will hope to target another call-up by the Irish selectors.

"Everyone wants to represent their country at every opportunity, but I have to be picked here first before I can start thinking about it," he says. "It would be great for all the Irish guys here to play in front of our own fans, although it might be a bit weird changing in the away dressing room!"

It would be great for the Tigers contingent to play in front of their home crowd at Welford Road on February 1.

"Welford Road always gets a big, passionate crowd," says Crane. "Opposition teams can be quite intimidated. It will be great for all of the players to play the Saxons game here."

Tickets are on sale now, with discounts available to season ticket holders and members until December 10.