Welford Road to stage England A v Scotland A game on June 27

BORTHWICK’S DELIGHT AMID HOPES 6,000 FANS CAN BE INSIDE STADIUM

LEICESTER Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road will host an England game this summer.

Before the Test marches against USA and Canada take place at Twickenham Stadium in July, England A and Scotland A will meet at the home of the Tigers on Sunday, June 27 (kick-off TBC).

It is hoped that up to 6,000 spectators will be allowed into the ground to watch the game and 10,000 for the Twickenham matches.

Former England forwards coach and current Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick was pleased to see Welford Road land an international match.

“It is very exciting to have international rugby coming to Mattioli Woods Welford Road,” he said.

“Leicester Tigers is proud of the incredible supporter base we have at this club and our iconic home in the heart of the city.

“Leicester is a passionate sporting city and this is a great opportunity for Tigers and sports fans to see some of England and Scotland’s next generation play on our home ground.”

With the British and Irish Lions tour taking place this summer and 11 English players part of the tour, and the fixture taking place on the same weekend as the Gallagher Premiership Final, head coach Eddie

Jones will have the opportunity to select a different squad.

He said: “The summer series will give us the chance to look at a lot of players and see how they step up, and it’s an important part of our World Cup preparation.

“For younger players, it’s a chance to show what they can do at international level and how they are in the team environment.

“There aren’t too many opportunities to lead at international level, so for the more experienced players it’s a chance to take further leadership roles and grow their game in that area.

“We’re really looking forward to playing at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

“It’s a proper rugby stadium, with good facilities and the support at Leicester Tigers is excellent.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to welcome lots of fans back into the stadium.”

England’s Tests against USA and Canada will take place on Sunday, July 4 and Saturday, July 10, respectively, with kick-off times to be confirmed.