Kobus Van Wyk returns for Leicester Tigers

January 01, 2021
1997
Ultimate Rugby

Steve Borthwick has named the Leicester Tigers team for the opening game of 2021, against Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Sunday (3.00pm).

Kobus Van Wyk returns from injury to join Freddie Steward, Jaco Taute, Matt Scott and Nemani Nadolo in the backline for the Gallagher Premiership Round 5 fixture, with England international colleagues George Ford and Ben Youngs at half-back this weekend.

Ellis Genge and Dan Cole return to the front row, either side of captain Tom Youngs, with Harry Wells and Calum Green selected at lock.

George Martin, who is among eight Tigers academy graduates in the starting line-up, returns from injury to join South African duo Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese in the back row.

Fiji international Kini Murimurivalu is among the replacements, with Jack Van Poortvliet and Zack Henry providing the other cover in the backline. Charlie Clare, Nephi Leatigaga, Joe Heyes, Cameron Henderson and Luke Wallace are the forwards named on the bench.

In the absence of head coach Steve Borthwick, the team will be coached by Mike Ford, Aled Walters and Brett Deacon, assisted by Matt Smith and Tom Harrison.

Leicester Tigers (v Bath Rugby, Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Sunday 3.00pm)

15 Freddie Steward

14 Kobus van Wyk

13 Jaco Taute

12 Matt Scott

11 Nemani Nadolo

10 George Ford

9 Ben Youngs

1 Ellis Genge

2 Tom Youngs (c)

3 Dan Cole