After matches against Brive and Notingham in the last two weeks, Tigers have just the Irish double header against Munster and then at home to Leinster left in preparation for the start of the new Aviva Premiership Rugby season on September 5.
“We look like we’re in decent shape but there is a lot of work to do before we go to that first league game,” said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
“This place is built on hard work. If we do that hard work in training there is a good chance it will work on game day.”
Preparing for the club's first trip to Musgrave Park since the summer of 2006, Cockerill is able to include his senior England men for the first time in the pre-season period.
“We’ll take pretty much our strongest squad, whether they start or have game-time from the bench,” said Cockerill.
“We’ve got the international players back and we have to get them integrated, get game-time throughout the squad and look at the combinations in the squad.
“We’ve now got two weeks left before we start the season, it is important all of the players are up to speed, get match fit and sharp. We’ve got two practice games left to do that and make sure we are right for the start of the season.”
Louis Deacon, Lucas Amorosino, Pete Bucknall and Rob Hawkins are left out due to short-term injuries, while Richard Blaze (foot) and Geoff Parling (neck) are sidelined for the start of the season. Joe Duffey has been on compassionate leave due to a family bereavement.
Cockerill said: “It’s unfortunate that Pete Bucknall picked up a bit of a groin injury and Rob Hawkins had a calf injury so we didn't want to risk him. Joe Duffey has been away, but we’ll have everyone back and available for the Leinster game next weekend.”
Munster coach Tony McGahan has named a 26-strong squad including Denis Leamy, Donnacha Ryan and Ian Dowling on their return from injury and newcomers Wian du Preez and Sam Tuitupou.
