Two-time champions Leicester put their rock-solid home record on the line Friday when they kick off the European Champions Cup against Stade Francais who are returning to the tournament after a painful five-year absence.
Leicester, the champions in 2001 and 2002, have lost just once in 28 home games in the competition. Two of those wins came against the Paris giants in 2006 and 2007.
“Friday night under the lights at Welford Road, the Champions Cup, Leicester Tigers v Stade Francais, these are the big fixtures that everyone wants to be involved in,” Tigers director of rugby, Richard Cockerill told epcrugby.com.
“It’s going to be a big start for us. It’s the first game of this season’s tournament — we kick the whole thing off — which is kudos to us.”
Leicester go into the game on the back of a 19-6 loss to Exeter last weekend in what was their first defeat in the English Premiership this season.
However, the setback was partly eased by seeing Welsh fly-half Owen Williams make a successful return to the starting line up following knee surgery.
The Tigers are also hopeful of completing the signing of 34-year-old Italian international prop Matias Aguero to replace Michele Rizzo who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
French Top 14 champions Stade have never won the European Cup, finishing runners-up on two occasions — in 2001 and 2005.
In the 2001 final, they were edged out 34-30 by Leicester in an epic clash in front of 75,000 people in Cardiff.
“We can’t wait for Friday’s match even if we haven’t had a lot of time to rest,” said Stade skipper and Italian star Sergio Parisse in reference to Sunday’s gruelling 14-9 win over Top 14 leaders Clermont.
“There’s expectation and excitement. I think our team deserves to be back in the competition and I am sure the players who are selected on Friday will do their all for the shirt.”
Leicester and Stade have been drawn in Pool Four alongside two-time European champions Munster and Italian strugglers Treviso.
“Leicester, Munster and Treviso, they all present interesting challenges. But we have never won this competition, so it’s a personal and team aim to go as far as possible,” added Parisse.
Stade will not risk new Australian scrum-half recruit Will Genia who only joined the club on Tuesday, 10 days after playing in the World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.
The 27-year-old, 66-capped Genia has yet to shrug off the effects of a knee injury he first suffered in the World Cup semi-finals.
“It’s nothing serious,” said Stade coach Gonzalo Quesada. “He will continue his recovery and he will be available to train with the squad from next week.”
Genia could make his bow in the European Cup clash against Munster on November 22.
“I am a competitor — I am not here for a vacation,” said Genia.