Dan Cole says Sunday's European tie with Toulon will be "like playing in a Test match".
Toulon have named 15 internationals from eight countries in their starting line-up, including World Cup winners Bryan Habana and Bakkies Botha of South Africa and Ali Williams from New Zealand.
“You come up against a lot of international players from week to week,” says Tigers prop Cole.
“But it is rare to face a team with internationals from number one to 23, and Toulon have got that in their squad. They have a list of players they can roll out and play. It will be as good as a Test match for that.”
Tigers include 15 internationals in their own matchday 23, including England trio Cole, Tom Youngs and skipper Ben Youngs, plus second-rower Geoff Parling who returns to the squad after injury.
Tighthead prop Cole is a month into his own comeback after a nine-month absence after a neck injury and is settling back into the Tigers front row.
“I’m just enjoying being back playing,” said Cole. “When you are out for a long period, that is what you focus on to get through all the rehab work.
“I was a bit nervous before my first game back, but you get into it, you start to scrum and you get on with the game. Then you get your match fitness by playing – that is what the last few weeks have been about.”
Kick-off in Tigers versus Toulon is at 5.30pm on Sunday and tickets are still available. Call in at Welford Road or phone 0116 319 8888 (option) to book. The office is open 9am-5pm Saturday and from 9am up to kick-off on Sunday. Or book online any time by clicking here. There is now a print at home function on online sales.
Toulon have named 15 internationals from eight countries in their starting line-up, including World Cup winners Bryan Habana and Bakkies Botha of South Africa and Ali Williams from New Zealand.
“You come up against a lot of international players from week to week,” says Tigers prop Cole.
“But it is rare to face a team with internationals from number one to 23, and Toulon have got that in their squad. They have a list of players they can roll out and play. It will be as good as a Test match for that.”
Tigers include 15 internationals in their own matchday 23, including England trio Cole, Tom Youngs and skipper Ben Youngs, plus second-rower Geoff Parling who returns to the squad after injury.
Tighthead prop Cole is a month into his own comeback after a nine-month absence after a neck injury and is settling back into the Tigers front row.
“I’m just enjoying being back playing,” said Cole. “When you are out for a long period, that is what you focus on to get through all the rehab work.
“I was a bit nervous before my first game back, but you get into it, you start to scrum and you get on with the game. Then you get your match fitness by playing – that is what the last few weeks have been about.”
Kick-off in Tigers versus Toulon is at 5.30pm on Sunday and tickets are still available. Call in at Welford Road or phone 0116 319 8888 (option) to book. The office is open 9am-5pm Saturday and from 9am up to kick-off on Sunday. Or book online any time by clicking here. There is now a print at home function on online sales.
