Snow and ice have now been removed from the Welford Road pitch and stadium surrounds ahead of Monday's Aviva Premiership match against Sale Sharks.

A Caterpillar Telehandler removed 40 tonnes of snow from inside the stadium on Thursday and this has been take off-site by Breedon Aggregates.

Teams have removed snow and ice from the terrace and the other stands, as well as areas around the turnstiles and approaches to the stadium. Rock salt has been applied to safeguard against further low temperatures.

The MacLeod dome is protecting the pitch and this will remain in place until matchday morning. Further covers have also been used to prevent any frost getting into the playing surface.

Charles Rayner, Tigers head of stadium operations, said: "It is a real team effort with everyone involved in keeping the pitch and the stadium clear of snow and ice. The covers have done an excellent job on the pitch and we have crews on standby to remove any further ice or snow from the stadium if required.”