Leicester fans thrilled as England legend returns to play for the first time this year

Anthony Watson is back in the Leicester starting lineup for the first time this year after recovering from another nasty injury.

The 30-year-old will be hoping this will be his final comeback for some time, after enduring a particularly awful series of injuries that left him spending more time in the medical room than on the pitch.

Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika had recently spoken about Watson’s recovery, saying: “He’s had a few little setbacks, but has done most things. He had a setback towards the end (of pre-season), which is why he wasn’t available for the first game (against Exeter), but it’s good to see he is available now.”

Watson will join a formidable back three consisting of capped England players Ollie Hassell-Collins and Freddie Steward, will England fullback legend Mike Brown patiently waiting on the bench.

Speaking about the upcoming match against Bath, Cheika said: “It’s great to be home this week.”

“These old rivalries are fantastic for the game. With the tradition and the history, how they’re going at the moment, it should make for entertainment. 

“I have already got a taste of being the home coach at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, but I know from experience, as the opposition, that the noise and atmosphere will be at a different level on Sunday.”

For the opposition, there’s a first start for Bath’s new signing Guy Pepper as he lines up on the flank. Ross Molony is set to make his debut after signing from Leinster.

TEAMS

Leicester Tigers: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Charlie Clare, 3 Joe Heyes, 4 Harry Wells, 5 George Martin, 6 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Olly Cracknell, 9 Jack van Poortvliet (c), 10 Jamie Shillcock, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 12 Dan Kelly, 13 Izaia Perese, 14 Anthony Watson, 15 Freddie Steward

Replacements: 16 Finn Theobald-Thomas, 17 James Cronin, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Côme Joussain, 20 Kyle Hatherell, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Mike Brown

Head of Rugby: Michael Cheika

Bath Rugby: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Will Stuart, 4 Quinn Roux, 5 Ross Molony (debut), 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Will Butt, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Tom de Glanville

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Vilikesa Sela (debut), 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Ted Hill, 21 Tom Carr-Smith, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Jaco Coetzee

Head of Rugby: Johann van Graan