TEAM NEWS | Leicester Tigers v Saracens Men (GPR - Rd 17)
Alex Goode will become the first man to make 350 appearances for Saracens in the professional era when he leads the team out against Leicester Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The 34-year-old, who broke the appearance record in October when he ran out for the Men in Black for the 339th time, is reaching yet another landmark this weekend in a crucial Gallagher Premiership match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall has named an exciting squad, and despite none of the England internationals being eligible to play there is still plenty of experience across the 23 for the trip to Leicester.
Eroni Mawi, Kapeli Pifeleti and Marco Riccioni will make up a dynamic front-row, with Tom Ellis making his first start alongside Hugh Tizard in the second-row.
Andy Christie returns from Scotland duty to join Jackson Wray and Billy Vunipola at the base of the scrum.
Aled Davies’ half-back partner will be Goode who captains the side, and Nick Tompkins is also available to join Alex Lozowski in the midfield.
Alex Lewington is on the left wing, with Rotimi Segun on the right after his try-scoring return against Bristol, and Sean Maitland is at full-back.
On the bench Ivan van Zyl will be looking to inject some tempo when called upon, and there could be a Premiership debut for Olly Hartley in the 22 shirt.
Goode has once again spoken of his immense pride at breaking another record for the North Londoners.
“It’s amazing to reach 350 for this great club and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. I love it here and feel honoured to pull on the shirt every time I get the opportunity, so hopefully we can put in a strong performance on Sunday against a top side.”
Saracens Men team to play Leicester Tigers:
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Kapeli Pifeleti
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Tom Ellis
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Andy Christie
7 Jackson Wray
8 Billy Vunipola
9 Aled Davies
10 Alex Goode (c)
11 Alex Lewington
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Rotimi Segun
15 Sean Maitland
Replacements:
16 Theo Dan
17 Robin Hislop
18 Christian Judge
19 Cameron Boon
20 Toby Knight
21 Ivan van Zyl
22 Olly Hartley
23 Ben Harris
