Amidst the World Cup whirlwind that has taken over rugby across the globe, the cogs have begun to turn to bring the Aviva Premiership back to supporters across the country. The 2015-2016 season launch at Twickenham Stoop gathered all twelve clubs together, to look back at last year’s highlights and propel the sport into it’s new term.
Undoubtedly, one person eager to get play underway is Leicester Tigers Director of Rugby, Richard Cockerill, who looks to forget the woes of last season and announce the arrival of his battle-ready squad. Preparations have differed from previous years after the instatement of the Kings of the North tournament, in which Tigers have played Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons in the week’s running up to the Premiership kick off. Having won three of their four fixtures, Cockerill explained how much these games have affected the team’s pre-season training:
“It’s good to get game time, to get your match fitness and body hardness. Thankfully we haven’t had too many problems injury wise which is good.
“To be honest it’s about playing and getting a good performance, and making sure everybody fit and well ahead of our Premiership start against London Irish. It’s a good little tournament but we’re ready for the season to begin now.”
Two players who have certainly impressed with their game time are summer signings Mike Fitzgerald and Australian capped forward Peter Betham. Both are already shortlisted for Goldsmith’s Player of the Month award despite not having played a second of Premiership action. Cockerill credited them as well as their fellow newcomers for their early display of talent.
“Peter has been outstanding, he’s a test player for Australia and Mike has played for the Chiefs, probably unlucky not to have had the opportunity to play for the All Blacks, so we know his quality. Lachlan McCaffery has done very, very well. Mike Williams from Worcester too; he’s a big physical guy. Having Tom Croft back from injury has been great, so we’re delighted with the players we’ve got in. It’s just about the squad now, everyone has brought in individual parts.”
On the back of a somewhat disappointing last season, new head coach Aaron Mauger arrived at Tigers in high regard and with hope of relinquishing the demons that questioned Cockerill’s position as Director of Rugby. With expectation to influence the team from supporters and players alike, who are hungry for success again, Mauger looks to be steering the side in the right direction.
“Everybody’s bought into Aaron’s philosophy and style of play. We’ll still keep the things that Leicester value themselves on which is to be hard to play against and have a good set piece, but we need to grow our game. We need to entertain and develop but more importantly we have to win.
“I know him. I coached him as a player, so he knows the good and bad bits about my personality. He knows exactly how he wants to play and what he wants to do, he’s got a good manner about him and can be very nurturing but can be forthright in the way he deals with players. It’s a good balance.”
It was reported that Mauger felt no ‘immediate need’ for a marquee signing amongst the backs, and a deal to have Jean de Villiers put pen to paper was dismissed before his exit from the World Cup due to injury. However since then, de Villiers has announced his international retirement and the possibility of him playing in the Premiership, and with Leicester Tigers, have improved. So what did Cockerill say about the Springboks’ captain signing up and making an appearance at Welford Road?
“I tried my best but he had second thoughts. He was really honest and upfront with us and that’s no problem. If he changes his mind, of course [the door’s always open.] ”
Leicester kick off their campaign away against London Irish on Sunday 18th October, and look to advance on their four game winning streak. Ready to get their campaign underway with a victory, Cockerill exudes the confidence of a man hungry to enforce Leicester’s expertise on the Premiership, and certainly has the structure in place to administer the upset of their rivals.
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