Leicester Tigers team to face Gloucester

December 18, 2025
170
Ultimate Rugby

Leicester Tigers welcome back experienced reinforcements to their matchday squad for Friday's Gallagher PREM meeting with Gloucester Rugby (7.45pm).

Australia centre Izaia Perese returns at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as the only change to the starting line-up from last week's clash against Leinster.

But there are significant changes within the 23 as England duo Ollie Chessum and Jack van Poortvliet are among the replacements, with England 'A' prop Tarek Haffar and experienced hooker Charlie Clare also returning.

Both scrum halves are set to reach significant landmarks for the club. Starter Tom Whiteley is due to make a 50th senior appearance and van Poortvliet will make his 100th if he comes off the bench.

Geoff Parling said, "Unfortunately, Will Wand picked up an injury last week and will be out for around 4 weeks. It’s a shame as he has been excellent and really developing his game."

"At the same time, it’s great to welcome someone of Izzy’s quality back into the side, and then to have Chess and Jack ready to come off the bench. All three have been working hard in rehab, and we look forward to their impact on our performance tomorrow."

Tigers and Gloucester are competing for the Slater Cup for the seventh time.

The trophy is named after former Leicester and Gloucester captain Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022, and fundraising activity for the 4Ed charity that provides support families battling MND takes place at the game.

On Slater, Parling said, "I remember Ed’s first day at Tigers, and it struck me straight away what a competitor he was. He continued this throughout his career, and still does it now in what he does for the MND community."

"We hope to put in a performance that embodies what he is about and hope he, Jo and the kids have a great Christmas."

Leicester Tigers (appearances in brackets - milestones are starred)

15 Freddie Steward (118)

14 Adam Radwan (20)

13 Izaia Perese (17)

12 Solomone Kata (51)

11 Ollie Hassell-Collins (57)

10 Billy Searle (10)

9 Tom Whiteley (49)*

1 Nicky Smith (32)

2 Jamie Blamire (8)

3 Joe Heyes (169)