O'connor's First Start For Tigers

October 17, 2025
1185
Ultimate Rugby

James O’Connor will make his first Gallagher PREM start for Leicester Tigers when they take on Bath Rugby tomorrow.

The Australia fly half came off the bench at Northampton Saints for 17 minutes last weekend and will pair up with scrum half Tom Whiteley at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Joe Heyes, Cam Henderson and Olly Cracknell start in the pack, centre Joseph Woodward is back in midfield with Solomone Kata wearing No.13.

Head Coach Geoff Parling said: “We’re looking forward to being back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and while Bath are obviously playing well, we’ll look to focus on what we can do and how we can keep improving our game.

“Tom and James bring great experience at nine and 10 and it’s great to welcome Joe, Crackers and Woody back in the starting line-up.”

Leicester v Bath is one of rugby’s greatest club rivalries. The sides have met 211 times with the Tigers winning 121 games.

They last met in the 2025 Gallagher PREM final won 23-21 by Bath. Twelve of that day’s starting side will take the field for Tigers tomorrow.

Leicester Tigers

15 Freddie Steward (114)

14 Adam Radwan (15)

13 Sol Kata (47)

12 Joseph Woodward (37)

11 Ollie Hassell Collins (52)

10 James O’Connor (1)

9 Tom Whiteley (44)

1 Nicky Smith (28)