Leicester Tigers forward Olly Cracknell says the club is determined to earn a home Gallagher PREM Playoff after battling its way back into title contention during a demanding run-in.
Tigers have secured their place in the Playoffs and remain locked in a race with Bath Rugby for a top-two finish, with home advantage in the semi-finals still up for grabs heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
For Cracknell, the opportunity to bring knockout rugby back to Mattioli Woods Welford Road would be another significant step forward for a Leicester side that has steadily built momentum under Geoff Parling.
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“We want to give ourselves the best chance possible,” Cracknell told the Gallagher PREM website.
“A home semi-final would be massive for this group and for our supporters. The atmosphere at Mattioli Woods Welford Road has been incredible all season.”
The back-row forward has been one of Leicester’s most consistent performers this season, helping drive a Tigers pack that has emerged as one of the most physical units in the league.
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Leicester strengthened its Playoff position with an emphatic victory over Sale Sharks last weekend and now sits firmly among the title contenders heading into the postseason.
Cracknell said the squad’s focus remains on maintaining standards rather than looking too far ahead.
“You can’t get caught up in what might happen in a few weeks’ time,” Cracknell told the Gallagher PREM website.
“You have to keep building, keep improving and make sure your performances are where they need to be.”
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Leicester’s resurgence has come during a season filled with pressure near the top of the standings, with every point proving crucial in the battle for Playoff positioning.
Cracknell said the group has embraced those high-stakes situations and believes the experience will serve the team well when the knockout rounds begin.
“These are the games you want to be involved in,” Cracknell told the Gallagher PREM website.
“When there’s something on the line every week, that’s what professional rugby is all about.”
With the Playoffs approaching, Leicester remains focused on finishing the regular season strongly while continuing its push for a home semi-final and a shot at another Gallagher PREM title.
Leicester Tigers vs. Exeter Chiefs Kickoff Time
Leicester Tigers host Exeter Chiefs at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, with Anthony Woodthorpe appointed as referee.
How To Watch Leicester Tigers vs. Exeter Chiefs
The match will be broadcast live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.
Leicester Tigers Lineup vs. Exeter Chiefs
- George Pearson
- Adam Radwan
- Will Wand
- Orlando Bailey
- Ollie Hassell-Collins
- Charlie Titcombe
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Nicky Smith
- Jamie Blamire
- Joe Heyes
- George Martin
- Ollie Chessum (c)
- Hanro Liebenberg
- Tommy Reffell
- Joaquin Moro
Replacements:
- Charlie Clare
- Archie van der Flier
- Will Hurd
- Cameron Henderson
- Hamish Watson
- Olly Cracknell
- Tom Whiteley
- Solomone Kata
Exeter Chiefs Lineup vs. Leicester Tigers
- Olly Woodburn
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Henry Slade
- Len Ikitau
- Campbell Ridl
- Harvey Skinner
- Stephen Varney
- Scott Sio
- Max Norey
- Josh Iosefa-Scott
- Dafydd Jenkins (c)
- Andrea Zambonin
- Tom Hooper
- Ethan Roots
- Greg Fisilau
Replacements:
- Joseph Dweba
- Ethan Burger
- Bachuki Tchumbadze
- Rusi Tuima
- Christ Tshiunza
- Tom Cairns
- Zack Wimbush
- Paul Brown-Bampoe
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