Check out our 2026/27 season preview for Leicester Tigers as Geoff Parling's side look to compete for the play-offs once more.
After a tumultuous summer of 2025, which saw a large number of high profile exits from Welford Road, many expected then-new head coach Geoff Parling to struggle.
However, an extremely promising campaign in 2025/26 - which saw them finish fourth in the Prem table and lift the Prem Rugby Cup - followed, giving the Tigers reason for optimism.
The changes across the squad have continued and - despite some astute signings being brought to the club - key, experienced clubmen have departed this summer.
In what is set to be an intriguing campaign for England's biggest and most historic club, let's preview their upcoming Prem season.
Key Question
Can Geoff Parling's side continue to go again despite more high profile exits?
The biggest question that will define Leicester Tigers' system is whether or not they can continue to punch above their weight this season, having had a second successive season of high profile exits.
Having lost all of Hanro Liebenberg, Nicky Smith, George Martin, James O'Connor and Izaia Perese ahead of the new season, alongside Handre Pollard, Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Mike Brown and Julian Montoya last summer, the number of international caps departing Welford Road has been mind-numbing.
That being said, many expected a heavy fall off from the Tigers last season - which never came - giving Parling and his side confidence and credit in the bank.
With the calibre of player available to Parling, there is still large scope for a strong season to come, but there's no doubt that they will need to be at their very best once again in order to achieve their goals.
Key Signing
Aaron Wainwright
Losing a player of the quality, experience level and importance to the club of Hanro Liebenberg was always going to leave a large hole in the Tigers squad, despite their strong depth in the back row.
It was of upmost importance that Leicester replaced the South African forward as soon and as well as possible, due to the significance of Liebenberg to the way that Tigers operate as a club both on and off the pitch.
The Tigers have done that excellently through Aaron Wainwright, with the Welshman an almost carbon copy of Liebenberg stylistically.
His international experience will also play a significant role in helping to steady the ship and his pre-existing connection with back rowers Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell will help bed him in quickly.
If the Tigers can get the best out of Wainwright, he could easily be the signing of the season across the entire division.
Bold Prediction
Leicester Tigers will finish outside the top four
Despite an extremely promising first season in the Tigers dugout, the quality of Geoff Parling's squad has continued to trend downwards this summer.
High profile and long serving exits will make life difficult for the Tigers this season, with Leicester likely needing another defiant campaign to be successful once more.
Poorly timed international call-ups or injuries could derail Leicester's season, which may lead to a finish outside of the play-offs.
Season Odds
Odds will display when markets are available and odds written in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
