Tigers' roar returns as Leinster keep eye on prize

It can be a bit of a tricky task to figure out exactly how the English sides feel about European competition.

Going back to the year that their teams pulled out of the tournament in 1999, to the threats to do so again almost a decade ago, there has always been the feeling that the cream of the Premiership don't exactly love the Heineken Champions Cup as we do.

The country actually tops the 'wins by nation’ chart, with 10 victories, compared to nine French and seven Irish, which is in itself testament to the strength of their elite.

But to sit in on the press calls this week you’d be inclined to believe that priorities lie closer to home.

Take Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson speaking about his team’s trip to Racing 92 tomorrow.

"This stade de la defence, or whatever it’s called, the disco, let’s call it the Racing Metro disco," he joked on The Ruck podcast.

He meant the Paris La Défense Arena, of course; Irish coaches don't talk like that.

Leicester captain Ellis Genge (above) leads the Tigers out against Leinster in today's 5.30pm kick-off.

Peaking out from under a baseball cap, he cut a cool customer as he was pushed out to talk up the match earlier this week.

Six Champions Cup wins between the two sides, a likely sold-out home tie - will he be extra pumped up for the occasion?

"I’ve just come off one of the most emotional games that I ever been a part of with Tommy [Youngs giving a speech before retiring ahead of their 56-26 win over Bristol] talking to us beforehand so probably a bit of a challenge to build emotional energy with the boys for this week," said the England prop.

He did perk up somewhat when asked about the atmosphere in Welford Road for these big games.

"Incredible...it is our gaff, it’s not [theirs], what’s