Released England star rejoins Leicester Tigers as they host Worcester

Leicester Tigers been given a boost as they look to correct two consecutive losses in a row in the Gallagher Premiership when they host strugglers Worcester at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Saturday.

Steve Borthwick has named his Tigers' matchday squad and it includes Joe Heyes after the front-rower was released by Eddie Jones earlier this week.

Borthwick is however without England call-ups Ollie Chessum, George Ford, Ellis Genge, Freddie Steward and Ben Youngs, who were all retained for the Six Nations opener against Scotland.

Julián Montoya is the hooker in an unchanged starting front row, with props James Whitcombe and Dan Cole. The Tigers' substitute front-rowers are Charlie Clare and Nephi Leatigaga, who join Heyes on the bench.

The starting locks are Harry Wells and Calum Green, with flankers George Martin and Hanro Liebenberg and No. 8 Jasper Wiese behind them. Liebenberg will skipper the team in his first start since the Round 11 win over the Harlequins.

"Worcester have got good some very good carriers, pace out wide and have an experienced coach in charge in Steve Diamond.

"He has seen it, he has done it and I think, as expected, we are starting to see a bit of Steve’s imprint on the side and they way they go about things.

"There is no doubt he will continue building what he wants to build there and they will continue to improve."

"We are pleased to be able to be back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday," said Borthwick. "While it is a privilege for us to get the support we do when we are away from home, and have enjoyed incredible support during the past month on the road, it is always fantastic to be back at our home with all of our supporters.”

LEICESTER TIGERS TEAM:

15 Bryce Hegarty

14 Harry Potter

13 Guy Porter

12 Dan Kelly

11 Hosea Saumaki

10 Freddie Burns

9 Richard Wigglesworth

1 James Whitcombe

2 Julián Montoya

3 Dan Cole

4 Harry Wells

5 Calum Green

6 George Martin

7 Hanro Liebenberg

8 Jasper Wiese

REPLACEMENTS

16 Charlie Clare

17 Nephi Leatigaga

18 Joe Heyes

19 Eli Snyman

20 Tommy Reffell

21 Olly Robinson

22 Jack van Poortvliet

23 Matt Scott