Ollie Chessum to lead Leicester Tigers in Premiership opener against Exeter Chiefs

Leicester Tigers have named lock Ollie Chessum as the captain for the upcoming Gallagher Premiership opener against Exeter Chiefs to be played at Sandy Park on Saturday.

Chessum will partner with Harry Wells in the second row with the latter set to make his 200th appearance for the club while Nicky Smith will debut for Tigers in the starting side and will be part of the front row that also has Charlie Clare and Joe Heyes.

Izaia Perese will also make his Tigers debut and will start at midfield that also has Solomone Kata while Josh Bassett and Ollie Hassell-Collins are the preferred wings with Freddie Steward at fullback.

Jamie Shillcock and Jack van Poortvliet will form the half back partnership with Côme Joussain and Ben Volavola set to make the club debut when they come off the bench.

“It’s an exciting game for everyone at the club," said Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika.

“We’re all looking forward to this first league game of the season. We’ve made good progress over the pre-season and still have a long way to go but this is how we get there; playing for points each weekend, starting in Exeter.

“I’m really happy to see Harry reach 200 games. It’s a fantastic achievement and I know everyone will be doing all they can to make it a special day for him.

“Ollie and Jack have earned the right to lead with their actions throughout pre-season, and they’ll be supported a team of players who are all ready to do their jobs and enjoy what will be a tough battle together for the first time in Tigers colours.”

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Your Tigers team for round one. @premrugby

- Ollie Chessum leads the side
- Harry Wells' 200th appearance
- Smith, Perese, Joussain, Volavola on debut

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— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) September 20, 2024