Get ready for an exciting chapter in the world of rugby as we bring you the latest team news! The return of PWR in 2026 sees a new era for the Leicester Tigers, with a fresh captain leading the charge.
Step forward, Jenny Maxwell, who will don the captain's armband as the Tigers head to Devon to take on the Exeter Chiefs. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just any old game; it's a match that includes two debutants, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Eve Slater, a name to remember, makes her starting debut for the Tigers, while Phoebe Andrews could be the next big thing, lined up as a reserve hooker. But here's where it gets controversial... Jemima McCalman and Emily Henrich, two seasoned players, will be appearing together in the centres for the first time this season. With Georgie Lingham unavailable, this pairing could be a game-changer.
After a well-deserved Christmas break, the Tigers are raring to go, having not played for six weeks. And their coach, Fraser Goatcher, is thrilled with the team's progress. "The girls have hit the ground running since we returned on January 5th. We're incredibly impressed with their dedication and performance on the training pitch."
Goatcher continued, "The first half of the season taught us a lot, and we're eager to put those lessons into practice in 2026. We're hoping this will be the year we start picking up some much-deserved victories."
So, will the Tigers roar back into action with a win? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: with Maxwell at the helm and a talented squad, they're a force to be reckoned with.
Leicester Tigers Lineup:
- 15. Tess Feury (36)
- 14. Eve Slater (1)
- 13. Emily Henrich (20)
- 12. Jemima McCalman (3)
- 11. Karolina Kacirkova (10)
- 10. Kristin Bitter (7)
- 9. Jenny Maxwell © (26)
- 1. Beth Cregan (2)
- 2. Micke Gunter (6)
- 3. Clodagh Dunne (9)
- 4. Deni Ross (3)
- 5. Emerson Allen (6)
- 6. Hermione Farmer (9)
- 7. Morgan Richardson (61)
- 8. Tiana Gordon (21)
Replacements:
- 16. Phoebe Andrews (0)
- 17. Lauren Poole (9)
- 18. Nadine Vincent (25)
- 19. Leah Heath (14)
- 20. Jordan Russell (25)
- 21. Eneka Labeyrie (11)
- 22. Abileigh Priestnall (8)
- 23. Zoe Evans (32)
What do you think? Will the Tigers' new lineup pay off? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
