In the final week of the autumn international period, and with Geoff Parling, Ben Pienaar, Boris Stankovich and Ben Woods ruled out by injury, Tigers went into the game with four Academy prospects among the replacements, and all were called into action.
“Getting some of the young lads on for some game-time is great for us,” said director of rugby Richard Cockerill. “It shows the strength in depth is really good and it will serve them well in the long term.
“All the guys in the squad have made a contribution to the season now.
“Those lads in the dressing room have kept the club ticking over while we’ve had so many players missing to internationals or injuries, and the guys coming back should be grateful for the contribution they have made in keeping it going while they’ve been away.”
Props Jonny Harris (19) and Ryan Bower (19) both gained game-time during the second half of the six-try win over Newcastle, and Tigers closed the 44-19 victory with a backline which included George Ford (17), Manu Tuilagi (19), Andy Forsyth (20) and Billy Twelvetrees (22).
“Everybody in the squad has played some part in the season” said Cockerill.
“These two wins against Harlequins and Newcastle, with all the issues we have in terms of players missing, will be vital for the mix at the end of the season.
“It is a great experience for those young boys to come in for a big home game like this, it will only benefit them in the long term and it shows the club is in fine health.”
