Reigning English champions Leicester Tigers will be the first opponents for Jersey Reds when the 2022/23 season kicks off next month.
The Tigers, who clinched the Gallagher Premiership title with a thrilling win in the final at Twickenham over Saracens two weeks ago, will spend several days on the Island ahead of the match with the Reds on Friday August 19th. The game at Stade Santander International will kick off at 5pm, with local supporters urged to arrange a prompt or early finish to their working weeks in order to attend.
It will be the fourth pre-season meeting between the clubs in the 11 seasons since the Reds attained Championship status, with Tigers also having visited in 2012, 2013 and 2021.
Reds Director of Rugby Harvey Biljon said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of testing ourselves against the Tigers once again – to have the English champions running out on our home ground will be a fantastic way to start the season, and the date is already one that’s standing out on our schedule.”
The game will be the first of three in which the Reds host Gallagher Premiership opponents: London Irish will run out at the Stade for a game on Saturday August 27th (k-o 3pm); and the Reds will entertain Bath Rugby at 7pm on Friday September 2nd.
Tickets for all three games will be available shortly. The Reds will then begin their Championship season with a trip to Ampthill on Saturday September 10th.
Picture from August 2021 by Jacquie Ranieri