England Saxons will kick off their season with a match against Ireland A at Welford Road, on Friday, February 1 (kick off 7.45pm).
It is a weekend without any Guinness Premiership action and the Friday night match will provide the perfect aperitif to the RBS 6 Nations clashes which begin the following afternoon.
The Saxons provide a final stepping stone to full international honours and fans will see some of the country’s finest emerging talents hoping to follow in the footsteps of England winger Paul Sackey who secured his place in the World Cup squad on the back of his performance in the team last season.
Tigers were well represented at this level last season, too, with Tom Croft, Jordan Crane, Ayoola Erinle and Richard Blaze involved in the Barclays Churchill Cup squad.
Conor O’Shea, the RFU director of the national academy, said: “The England Saxons play a crucial role in developing future internationals. The Saxons is the final step of the development pathway which enables us to identify those players with the capability and mentality to play international rugby.
“Last year’s squad firmly re-established the Saxons within this pathway and we will be looking to continue that progress throughout this season.”
Tigers also have players who have earned recognition at this level, with Frank Murphy, Johne Murphy and Ian Humphreys gaining caps last season. A clash with England on their home ground is an obvious goal this term as they look to further their international ambitions.
Tickets for the first England international at this level to be held at Welford Road for 10 years are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office. Call 08701 28 34 30, log on to www.leicestertigers.com or book online.
The Tigers ticket office is open all day Friday and until 9am-2pm on Saturday before Christmas.
