Leicester Tigers are pleased to announce a formal partnership with For the Love of the Game.

The partnership seeks to support the pathway for Canadian women's rugby players to reach their full potential in the game.

For the Love of the Game is a charitable fund run by former Leicester Tigers wing and Canadian international Dave Lougheed.

The former flyer set up the charity in 2015 to afford rugby players in Canada the opportunity to test themselves abroad, just as Lougheed himself benefitted from an opportunity to attend an England Rugby training camp as an under-18 player just starting out in rugby.

For the Love of the Game were instrumental in the recent signing of Canada international fly half Claire Gallagher and Canadian international back row Julia Omokhuale.

The club also sends their thanks to Rugby Canada for their swift action in approving International clearance for Gallagher and Omokhuale to be able to make their Leicester Tigers debuts in the Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby matches against Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks respectively.

Lougheed is excited to see Canadian players represented in the famous Tigers strip once again, just as he did in his two years at the club.

When asked about the partnership, Lougheed said "For the Love of the Game is very excited to be partnering with the Tigers to create a pathway for Canadian women to play in the best women’s club rugby competition in the world. 

"Leicester are an amazing club with a proud history and a bright future.  We know those who get the chance to join the club will be great additions to the Tigers and we look forward to following their success.

"On a personal level I have experienced the magic of Mattioli Woods Welford Road and my time with the Tigers was the highlight of my playing career.  

"The mission of For the Love of the Game is to: 'Inspire excellence through experience for athletes, coaches and their passionate supporters' and I believe this partnership will do just that!”