7 Leicester Tigers players who could get their chance in Premiership Cup

Leicester Tigers’ relentless march toward the end-of-season play-offs takes a break this week as the focus switches to the Premiership Cup.

A trip to Newcastle Falcons on Friday night will see Tigers give squad players and young prospects who aren’t involved with England U20s a chance in a senior game at Kingston Park.

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Could this be the week we see the South African back in Tigers colours? It has been 56 weeks since his knee injury suffered away against Harlequins in February 2021.

Taute’s return would add some serious experience to what would likely be an inexperienced Leicester backs division that’s heading to the North East.

Since the former Munster back has pulled on a pair of boots, the likes of Matt Scott, Guy Porter and Matias Moroni have shared the outside centre duties. The return of a fit-and-firing Taute would only bolster that competition towards the end of the season.

One of two senior back-row signings Tigers have made as they continue to cope without Marco van Staden - who hasn’t featured since a head injury against Bristol Bears on Boxing Day - and Ollie Chessum, who is away with England once more.

While we’ve seen nearly two hours of Olly Robinson in action across five replacement appearances, we’re yet to see the 22-year-old New Zealander selected in the three games since his arrival in February.

Jansen was a travelling reserve against London Irish suggesting he’s on the cusp of action, which will surely come on Friday night.

The former England U20s forward has played plenty of rugby this season, not for the table-topping Tigers but at the bottom of the Championship for Nottingham.

Vanes has been a mainstay at hooker in recent months gaining valuable experience that will stand him in good stead as