Hamish Watson is set to play his inaugural match for Leicester Tigers this Sunday, facing Bristol at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, stepping directly into the openside flanker position, replacing Tommy Reffell.
Welsh national player Reffell, who guided the Tigers to their PREM Cup triumph recently, faces an eight-week recovery period due to a throat injury sustained from an accidental boot strike during a training session.
Watson has recently joined the squad, who are strong contenders for the play-offs, on a short-term two-month contract, and is immediately included in a lineup featuring numerous international players.
Ollie Chessum is back in action and will captain the squad from the lock position, partnered in the second row by previous Tigers captain, Hanro Liebenberg.
The Tigers’ front row will feature Welshman Nicky Smith and England’s Joe Heyes as props, with Jamie Blamire filling the hooker role.
Pumas representative Joaquin Moro and the number eight, Olly Cracknell, recently participating in the Six Nations for Wales, will complete the back row alongside Watson.
Tom Whiteley and Billy Searle are set to extend their developing half-back collaboration, leading to James O’Connor once more accepting a spot among the reserves.
Orlando Bailey and Will Wand will occupy the midfield positions, with Welsh winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb and England’s previously dropped Ollie Hassell-Collins deployed on the flanks, and Freddie Steward anchoring the backline at full-back.
“It’s deeply disappointing to lose Tommy due to a highly unlucky injury where an accidental boot connected with his throat, implying he will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks,” head coach Geoff Parling stated.
“He has proven a significant nuisance to opposing teams, and we intend to utilize this period to, first, ensure his complete recovery and health, and second, prepare him to be in top form for the season’s conclusion.”
“Furthermore, this offers Hamish the chance to begin the match and demonstrate his abilities while representing the Tigers, marking a complete cycle since his departure from our academy sixteen years ago.”
Leicester Tigers squad versus Bristol Bears (match participations):
15. Freddie Steward (123)
14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb (10)
13. Will Wand (30)
12. Orlando Bailey (19)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (66)
10. Billy Searle (18)
9. Tom Whiteley (58)
1. Nicky Smith (37)
2. Jamie Blamire (16)
3. Joe Heyes (174)
4. Hanro Liebenberg (143)
5. Ollie Chessum © (77)
6. Joaquin Moro (20)
7. Hamish Watson (0)
8. Olly Cracknell (77)
16. Finn Theobald-Thomas (31)
17. Archie van der Flier (17)
18. Will Hurd (69)
19. Osian Thomas (4)
20. Harry Palmer (10)
21. Jack van Poortvliet (104)
22. James O’Connor (8)
23. Izaia Perese (24)
