DISCUSSION POINTS
Tigers got a taste of something different in 2017-18: not being involved in the play-offs for the first time. A poor Champions Cup campaign, winning just one game, compounded the disappointment.
The revolving door at Welford Road has been sent spinning over the summer, although there has been no marquee signing. Still, bringing in Guy Thompson looks a smart piece of business – he will produce week in, week out.
Focus falls, though, on those already in situ. Can Ben Youngs and George Ford find their groove at half-back having misfired for club and country at times recently? Will full-back Telusa Veainu get enough ball to weave the magic spells that saw him named RPA Player of the Year? Have they got enough grunt up front to regain the physical edge that was missing last season? If the answer to any of those questions is ‘no’, Tigers supporters may be left with a bitter taste at the end of this season too.