Leicester Tigers are 'the Manchester United of Gallagher Premiership Rugby' - Ugo Monye

Ugo Monye described “powerhouse” Leicester Tigers as “the Manchester United of Gallagher Premiership Rugby” ahead of their bid to reclaim the title.

The Tigers are playing Bristol Bears in the opening game of the season on Friday, live on TNT Sports.

Leicester last won the title in 2021/22, but could not defend it in a difficult season last term as Steve Borthwick and his coaching staff departed mid-season to take charge of England.

“To use a football example, they are the Manchester United of the Gallagher Premiership,” TNT Sports pundit Monye said ahead of the clash with Bristol.

“They are a team that is synonymous [with the league]. You look at their stats, their trophies, their victories…the iconic coaches, players and memories that they have given this league.

“They have gone through a turbulent period in the last year, losing Steve Borthwick, Kevin Sinfield and Richard Wigglesworth.

“But winning the title just over a year ago was a phenomenal achievement and bringing someone like [head coach] Dan McKellar into this club… he will certainly want to take them to that next level.

“They are a powerhouse; they are so important and widely recognised.”

It has been a busy summer for Tigers, with plenty of players coming in and out of the playing squad.

But two new additions in particular caught the eye of TNT Sports expert and former Scotland international Stuart Hogg – Ollie Hassell-Collins and Josh Bassett, who joined from London Irish and Harlequins, respectively.

“Ollie Hassell-Collins and Josh Bassett are two of the best signing you will ever come across. They are solid players in their own right,” said Hogg.

“Hassell-Collins has been outstanding over the last couple of years in a London Irish side that loved to attack.

“I would love to see him do the exact same in this Leicester side; he scores tries for fun.

“Josh Bassett is probably the most consistent player in the Premiership over the last five or six years.

“He’s an incredible talent and for these guys now to be given an opportunity to play for one of the best sides like Leicester, they’re only going to get better."

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