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Stephen Nell
Cape Town - The Blue Bulls of English rugby, that is probably the best way of describing Leicester, the English club hosting the Springboks on Friday night.
Leicester’s hierarchy demand nothing but success and it is a club steeped in tradition.
As far as can be surmised, they are one of two profitable clubs in the Premiership, the other being Northampton.
South Africans have been among the club’s achievers, with the Springboks’ World Cup winner of 1995, Joel Stransky being the highest-profile South African to have played for Leicester.
Other South Africans that have earned their keep there are Derick Hougaard, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fritz van Heerden and Marco Wentzel.
Heyneke Meyer, until recently coached there, but he returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. Meyer still talks with a lot of respect about the club.
“It’s a very traditional club with fanatical supporters and an incredible stadium,” he said.
“The crowd is very well educated. Even when opponents kick at goal, there will be absolute silence. South Africa will be afforded that kind of respect. The fans also applaud when opponents score.”
While Leicester will not be at full strength for the clash with the Boks, the club is renowned for its powerful forwards.
“They (Leicester) are good in the basics of the game and proud of their scrumming. They also drive well,” said Meyer.
Leicester currently lie in fourth position in the Premiership, with South Africa’s other English opponents on tour, Saracens, in first position.
Former Wallaby wing Lote Tuqiri joined up with Leicester last week.
Tom Croft (English flank), Martin Castrogiovanni (Italian prop), Julian White (English prop), Harry Ellis (English scrumhalf), Toby Flood (English flyhalf), Aaron Mauger (New Zealand centre), Ben Kay (English lock) and Jordan Crane (English loose forward) are among Leicester’s international stars.
There are also other quality overseas players such as All Blacks Scott Hamilton (fullback/wing) and Craig Newby (loose forward) in Leicester’s ranks.
England’s head coach, Martin Johnson, played for the club from 1989 until 2005.
Cape Town - The Blue Bulls of English rugby, that is probably the best way of describing Leicester, the English club hosting the Springboks on Friday night.
Leicester’s hierarchy demand nothing but success and it is a club steeped in tradition.
As far as can be surmised, they are one of two profitable clubs in the Premiership, the other being Northampton.
South Africans have been among the club’s achievers, with the Springboks’ World Cup winner of 1995, Joel Stransky being the highest-profile South African to have played for Leicester.
Other South Africans that have earned their keep there are Derick Hougaard, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Fritz van Heerden and Marco Wentzel.
Heyneke Meyer, until recently coached there, but he returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. Meyer still talks with a lot of respect about the club.
“It’s a very traditional club with fanatical supporters and an incredible stadium,” he said.
“The crowd is very well educated. Even when opponents kick at goal, there will be absolute silence. South Africa will be afforded that kind of respect. The fans also applaud when opponents score.”
While Leicester will not be at full strength for the clash with the Boks, the club is renowned for its powerful forwards.
“They (Leicester) are good in the basics of the game and proud of their scrumming. They also drive well,” said Meyer.
Leicester currently lie in fourth position in the Premiership, with South Africa’s other English opponents on tour, Saracens, in first position.
Former Wallaby wing Lote Tuqiri joined up with Leicester last week.
Tom Croft (English flank), Martin Castrogiovanni (Italian prop), Julian White (English prop), Harry Ellis (English scrumhalf), Toby Flood (English flyhalf), Aaron Mauger (New Zealand centre), Ben Kay (English lock) and Jordan Crane (English loose forward) are among Leicester’s international stars.
There are also other quality overseas players such as All Blacks Scott Hamilton (fullback/wing) and Craig Newby (loose forward) in Leicester’s ranks.
England’s head coach, Martin Johnson, played for the club from 1989 until 2005.
