Emotions are set to run high at Welford Road on Saturday, not only due to Bath visiting for another chapter in one of English rugby's oldest rivalries.
Nor is it solely because Leicester’s fourth-round clash with the reigning champions is a rematch of last season’s final, held just over four months ago, when Johann van Graan’s side held off a strong Tigers comeback at Twickenham to secure their first league title in nearly three decades.
For Leicester supporters, the real sentiment will come with the presence of Lewis Moody, the former England flanker, who recently shared his diagnosis with motor neurone disease. Moody spent 14 seasons at the East Midlands club, making 223 appearances and scoring 32 tries. Less widely recalled is that he ended his career at Bath, retiring in 2012 due to injury.
The tenacious flanker won seven league titles and two European Cups with the Tigers, lifted the 2003 Rugby World Cup with England, captained his country, and played for the British & Irish Lions. His appearance will be a poignant moment for everyone in attendance.
Moody is a revered figure in the sport now facing an uncertain future. While no proven link exists between MND and contact sports, he follows other notable former players, including the late Doddie Weir, in developing the condition. A fundraising effort launched by ex-teammates Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd has already gathered nearly £170,000. Leicester have allowed fans buying tickets online to donate to the fund, and several of Moody’s former teammates will be present to support the cause.
Among researchers, the only agreement is that more study is needed regarding MND and rugby. Moody, described by Murphy as “simply the most kind and inspirational person,” is already helping to highlight the issue.
Given the current form of both teams, expectations of a classic contest may not be met. Leicester hold 121 victories from 211 meetings, but Bath, with three bonus-point wins from three matches, could well challenge at Welford Road. They triumphed there three times last season.
New Leicester head coach Geoff Parling has one win in three rounds, secured two weeks ago against Harlequins. Defeats by Bristol and Northampton followed, and Bath’s rising form ensures another tough challenge.
For the champions, Argentina’s Santi Carreras steps in at full-back for his first start since joining from Gloucester, partnering with England’s rapid winger Henry Arundell in the back three. Former Exeter hooker Dan Frost also makes his debut start, while Tom Dunn prepares for his 250th appearance as a replacement.
Among the substitutes is the influential South African prop Thomas du Toit, who recently confirmed he will return to South Africa next summer, alongside Ewan Richards.
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