Tigers to face Black Lion in Leicester

Mattioli Woods Welford Road will host a historic fixture on Friday, May 3 when a Leicester Tigers XV face Georgia Black Lion in an exhibition match.

The Eastern European side will make their first appearance in the East Midlands on the opening weekend of May in between the final two home games of the 23/24 Gallagher Premiership campaign for Tigers.

Speaking about the fixture, Leicester Tigers Head Coach Dan McKellar said: “We’re pleased to be able to add an additional home game to our program and excited to welcome Georgia Black Lion to Mattioli Woods Welford Road.”

“Developing our squad and club coaches and staff is critical and this game will give them an opportunity to play a quality opposition at our home ground.”

Coached by former Leicester player and coach Richard Cockerill, who is also the national team’s lead, the Black Lion boast more than a dozen Georgian internationals in their squad who have recorded five wins in their five outings so far in 2024.

Discussing the return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road with the Georgian side, Cockerill said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing a Georgian team back to my old stomping ground.”

“Leicester has been a huge part of my life in rugby and many of my fondest memories, as both a player and a coach, involve games played at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, which has a unique atmosphere and history.

“This fixture is a fantastic opportunity for the Black Lion to take on one of Europe’s finest clubs after the successful first outing in the EPCR Challenge Cup. I can’t wait to introduce the Mattioli Woods Welford Road faithful to Georgian rugby and for the Black Lion squad to get a taste of the Leicester experience.”