Glorious summer for Tigers after a triumphant season,
It’s been a wonderful time to be a Leicester Tigers fan, basking in the glory of being champions of England again. But now the club faces the task of staying on top of the Gallagher Premiership – and pushing on in Europe too. With plenty of changes to the squad, we asked Tigers fans to share their biggest concerns ahead of the new season. Bobby Bridge reveals the top five answers in our survey POTENTIALLY LOSING STEVE BORTHWICK
This was by far and away the leading concern for Leicester Tigers fans.
Delivering a first league title in only your second season as a club head coach is nothing short of remarkable and enhanced Borthwick’s already strong reputation.
Given his background of being an international coach with Japan and England, and his colleague for both of those gigs, Eddie Jones, being under pressure, Borthwick’s name has been mentioned more and more as the man most likely to succeed him.
He is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Jones after the 2023
Rugby World Cup, assuming the Australian lasts until the end of his deal.
Judging by the responses we received from supporters, the potential loss of Borthwick was also coupled with fears that his exit could see many members of his backroom staff heading to Twickenham too.
INCREASED INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS
While Borthwick, pictured, is right to support any player who wishes to pursue international honours, it’s hard to argue against the fact it could damage Tigers’ chances next season.
Guy Porter became the ninth Leicester player in 15 months to make his England debut in the second Test victory over Australia at the weekend, and, who knows, even more could follow ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Once fit and firing, you’d also expect new signing Anthony Watson, Nic Dolly, Dan Kelly and Ben Youngs to be knocking on the door for more caps too.
Tigers also have Tommy Reffell now shining for Wales, Jasper Wiese a mainstay for South Africa and Julian Montoya captaining Argentina.
In a World Cup year, this will stretch resources. Tigers’ squad was massively tested during 2021/22 when international coaches came calling, and you can only see more numbers being called away next season.
fly-half is a world-class player, he’s got the medal to prove it after guiding the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019.
He also arrives as a league winner too after Montpellier claimed Top 14 glory.
However, Pollard, right, lost his place as the first-choice no. 10 as question marks linger over whether he can reach the heights of earlier in his career.
Then there is the guy he was brought to replace – George Ford.
They are huge boots to fill given how the England ace bowed out of his second spell at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Tigers fan in our survey were worried about the loss of Ford and how long it would take Pollard to get used to the club’s style of playing.
Only time will tell, and Freddie Burns will be on hand too, hoping for more opportunities in his favoured position.
GAMEPLAN AND STYLE OF PLAY
Leicester Tigers were the dominant side across the 2021/22 season, topping the Gallagher Premiership at the end of every single round.
Their eye-rubbing 22 wins from 26 games (including the semi-final and final) included some incredible high-scoring victories where back-three players cashed in scoring plenty of tries.
But it wasn’t always pretty, and often Leicester just found a way to win, with a kicking game and a brilliant kickchase being key assets to get over the line. It was enough to see them win the league, but can they repeat the trick in 2022/23? Here’s what some readers said were their biggest concerns: “Developing the game plan to balance the running and kicking game.
“The experience at Twickenham was brilliant where Tigers outplayed Sarries at their own game.
“A well worked win but there needs to be more than waiting for mistakes from the opposition.”
Another said: “The need to develop more attacking back play,” while one commented: “Continuing to kick at every opportunity.”
LOSS OF ELLIS GENGE
While life after Borthwick is only a possibility in the coming seasons, life after Ellis Genge is a fact.
The captain who lifted the Premiership trophy against Saracens is no longer a Tiger, and will team up with Bristol Bears after England’s summer tour of Australia.
Many fans pointed to the prop’s leadership, scrummaging and carrying abilities, with one describing his departure as a “massive loss”.
James Cronin has been brought in to bolster the loosehead options which also include senior stars Nephi Leatigaga, Francois van Wyk and the talented James Whitcombe.
But some fans still believed recruits were needed, with one saying their main concern was “finding a world-class prop to replace Genge”.