Leicester Tigers have added a fixture against Loughborough University to the club's pre-season programme at Welford Road.Tigers have already announced home and away fixtures against Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons as part of Kings of the North and have now added a new local derby with the visit of Loughborough University on Saturday, October 3 (4pm).   As the new Aviva Premiership season starts in mid-October due to the Rugby World Cup, Tigers will not have a fixture during Bank Holiday weekend in August.   Instead, the pre-season programme begins with the Marcos Ayerza Testimonial Challenge against Los Pumas at Welford Road on Saturday, September 5 before going into the Kings of the North and Loughborough University fixtures.   Loughborough University teams compete in National League One, just two steps away from the Aviva Premiership, as well as in BUCS Premier Division North in the national universities and colleges league.   Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “In a World Cup year we face back-to-back games from October right through to May so we will use the pre-season period to give game-time opportunities to all of the squad because we will need all of those players to make a contribution in the coming months – in the Premiership ‘A’ League, Aviva Premiership and in Europe.   “We have a good mix of fixtures and opportunities for all of the squad during September and October with everything building up to the opening league game at London Irish on October 18.”   The Loughborough University fixture is a 4pm kick-off and big screens will be in operation in Final Whistle in the MET-Rx Stand for supporters wishing to stay to watch the Rugby World Cup fixture between England and Australia at 8pm.   The club are also preparing some extra attractions for season ticket holders on the day – details will be confirmed soon.   Entry to the Loughborough University fixture and Kings of the North home matches is included in Tigers season tickets.   Match tickets for pre-season fixtures are available now from the Tigers ticket office in reception at Welford Road, or phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2). Or click here to book online.   Please note that the Marcos Ayerza Testimonial Challenge is not part of Tigers season tickets. Match tickets are available now from the Tigers ticket office.