Club Statement from Executive Chairman Peter Tom CBE
Leicester Tigers welcome the panel’s finding that head coach Michael Cheika was not intimidating or abusive towards the match day doctor following the recent game with Exeter Chiefs, however the club would nevertheless like to express its dissatisfaction with the finding that Michael Cheika was disrespectful.
Whilst the panel have yet to provide reasons for its decision, the club is particularly disappointed with the disrespectful finding given that multiple witnesses gave evidence at the disciplinary hearing supporting Michael’s version of events.
The club is also disappointed that despite its request not to do so, the RFU issued a statement announcing the panel’s decision despite the club having not yet been provided with the written judgment and knowing the exact reasons for the decision.
Additionally, we find it regrettable that the RFU’s statement included some reasoning for the decision from the Chairman of the panel which was not shared with the club at the hearing and before the written judgment has been provided.
Leicester Tigers would like to place on record that it would never question the World Rugby HIA process, when correctly implemented, and is rigorously committed to the safety, wellbeing and health of our players.
We will be seeking clarification on the above and reserve the right to lodge an appeal of the decision, within the fourteen day period allowed, once we have been provided with the written judgment by the RFU.
Leicester Tigers have named the matchday squad for Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday (October 5) at Kingston Park.
Will Hurd starts at tighthead prop after making his Scotland debut in the summer. Ollie Chessum returns to captain the team from the second row alongside George Martin.
Academy product Joseph Woodward earns his Gallagher Premiership debut at inside centre, while fellow midfielder Will Wand is in line for his Leicester Tigers debut after being included among the replacements.
The matchday squad for Round 1 of Premiership Women’s Rugby, away to Gloucester-Hartpury, has been named.
Roisin McBrien, who captained the club in the PWR Up Series to kick off the 24/25 campaign, will lead Leicester Tigers out at Kingsholm Stadium for the first league fixture of the season under new Head Coach Tom Hudson.
Hooker Nikki Simpson is named to start for the first time after appearing twice off the bench in the PWR Up Series.
The side features eight players making their Premiership Women’s Rugby debuts, including Rowann Sinclair – who is named among the replacements – who, if used, will make her Leicester Tigers debut. Sinclair, who has represented Army Rugby Union, has joined on a short-term contract.
Simpson and Sinclair are joined by Evie Wills, Elin Beaver, Zainab Alema, Leah Heath, Ellie Smith and Nadine Vincent as the eight league debutants included for Sunday’s game.
Speaking ahead of the game, Hudson said: “We have had two weeks now to build on the excellent performance against Loughborough and the level of commitment and the desire to improve the squad have demonstrated in that time has been exemplary.”
“The real challenge starts now. The Gloucester-Hartpury record speaks for itself and we know it will be a proper battle.”
TNT Sports is showing the match live on Sunday (October 6) at 12.45pm.
