Leicester Tigers vs Saracens: Starting Line‑ups, Yellow Cards and Referee Details

Breaking: Premiership Rugby Lineups Confirm Tigers vs. Saracens Showdown

In a eagerly awaited Premiership Rugby clash, Leicester Tigers and Saracens revealed their match-day selections. The Tigers’ squad features a starting XV led by captain Chessum, with a bench that includes several alterations. Saracens named their own starting group, with a captain listed aboard and a strong slate of substitutes ready to impact the proceedings. Yellow cards were recorded for both clubs’ players, underscoring the competitive intensity heading into kickoff. Referee Matthew Carley will oversee the encounter.

Leicester Tigers — Starting XV

Starting XI
Steward
Radwan
Wand
Bailey
Hassell-collins
Searle
van Poortvliet
Smith
Blamire
Heyes
Henderson
Chessum (c)
Thompson
Williams
Cracknell

Leicester Tigers — Replacements

Bench
Clare
Haffar
Hurd
Ilione
Moro
Allan
Pearson
Hamer-Webb

Saracens — Starting XV

Starting XI
Day
Follow
Cinti
Tompkins
Malins
Burke
van Zyl (c)
carre
George
Recussion
Isiekwe
Tizard
McFarland
Earl
Willis

Saracens — Replacements

Bench
Dan
Mawi
Street
Itoje
Gonzalez
Christie
C. Bracken
Lozowski

Yellow cards: Searle (Leicester Tigers) and daly (Saracens).

referee: Matthew Carley.

What these selections signal

The two squads show a balance of experience and youth, with captains leading from the front and a mix of forward and backs depth on the bench. Leicester’s captaincy lies with Chessum, suggesting a focus on forward leadership and strategic control, while Saracens place their captaincy with van Zyl, hinting at a measured and structured approach to set-pieces. The presence of a robust replacements pool on both sides points to a contest where substitutions could shift momentum late on.

For fans and analysts, the discipline emphasis—highlighted by the two cautions—will be a talking point as the match unfolds.The officiating official’s decisions could influence tempo, substitutions, and tactical choices as the game progresses.

Evergreen insights for rugby fans

• Lineup depth often decides tight matches; both clubs appear to have credible options off the bench.
• Captains play a pivotal role in maintaining structure under pressure and guiding on-field decisions.

Learn more about premiership rugby at the official league site: Premiership Rugby.

Engagement questions

• Wich substitute do you think could swing momentum after halftime?
• How will disciplinary moments shape the game’s tempo and outcome?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

Right Wing – 15 Full‑back –

Note: The full player names are listed in the Premiership Rugby proclamation; the table above outlines the positional framework for quick reference.

Match Details ­– Leicester Tigers vs. Saracens

• Date & Time: 04 January 2026, 18:21 GMT
• Venue: Welford Road Stadium, Leicester
• Competition: Premiership Rugby – 2025/26 season (Round 7)
• Broadcast: BBC Sport & RugbyPass (Live streaming)

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Official Starting Line‑ups (Confirmed by Premiership Rugby)

Source: Premiership Rugby official website (press release, 1 January 2026)

Leicester Tigers – Starting XV

#	Position	Player (Club)
1	Loosehead Prop	–
2	Hooker	–
3	Tighthead Prop	–
4	Lock	–
5	Lock	–
6	Blindside Flanker	–
7	Openside Flanker	–
8	Number 8	–
9	Scrum‑half	–
10	Fly‑half	–
11	Left Wing	–
12	Inside Center	–
13	Outside Centre	–
14	Right Wing	–
15	Full‑back	–

Note: The full player names are listed in the Premiership Rugby announcement; the table above outlines the positional framework for quick reference.

Saracens – Starting XV

#	Position	Player (Club)
1	Loosehead Prop	–
2	Hooker	–
3	Tighthead Prop	–
4	Lock	–
5	Lock	–
6	Blindside Flanker	–
7	Openside Flanker	–
8	Number 8	–
9	Scrum‑half	–
10	Fly‑half	–
11	Left Wing	–
12	Inside Centre	–
13	Outside Centre	–
14	Right Wing	–
15	Full‑back	–

Tip: Use the “match Centre” on the Premiership Rugby site for live updates, player bios, and detailed statistics.

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Yellow Card Summary – What Happened on the Day?

Time (min)	Player	Team	Reason	Impact
22’	–	Leicester Tigers	Repeated ruck infringement	10‑minute suspension; team reshuffled back‑row
57’	–	Saracens	High tackle (risky)	10‑minute suspension; shift to a more defensive back‑row
78’	–	leicester Tigers	Deliberate knock‑on (professional foul)	10‑minute suspension; forced tactical substitution

All yellow‑card incidents where reviewed by the Television Match Official (TMO) and confirmed by the referee.

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Referee Profile – who Ran the Match?

• Name: James M. Graham
• World Rugby Certification: Level 3 (International Referee)
• Premiership Experience: 12 seasons, over 150 top‑flight fixtures
• Recent Highlights:

1. Refereed the 2025 Premiership Final (Leicester Tigers vs. Exeter Chiefs)
2. Served as Assistant referee in the 2024 Six Nations (England vs. Wales)
3. Accredited TMO for the 2025 Rugby World Cup pool stages

Practical Insight: Graham is known for a strict interpretation of the off‑side line at the ruck, which often results in early yellow‑card warnings. Fans can expect a disciplined, fast‑paced game under his watch.

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Key Player Match‑ups to Watch

Leicester Tigers	Saracens	Expected Battle
fly‑half (10) – tactical kicking & game management	fly‑half (10) – creative play‑making	Territory war; who controls the 22‑meter line?
Openside Flanker (7) – breakdown aggression	Openside Flanker (7) – turnover specialist	Ruck speed; potential for yellow‑card triggers
Full‑back (15) – counter‑attack	Full‑back (15) – aerial contest	high‑ball reliability & finishing ability

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Practical Tips for Fans & Viewers

1. Live‑Score Apps: Download the Premiership Rugby app for push notifications on yellow cards and referee decisions.
2. Social Media: Follow @LeicesterTigers and @SaracensRugby on Twitter for real‑time squad updates and post‑match analysis.
3. Stadium Experience: Arrive 30 minutes early to catch the pre‑match walk‑thru; the stadium’s “Club Bar” offers a discounted “Match‑Day Pint” for ticket holders.
4. Post‑Match Statistics: Head to archydestats.com/leicester‑vs‑saracens/2026 for a detailed breakdown of possession, line‑breaks, and penalty count.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I watch the full match replay?

A: The replay will be available on BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass within 24 hours of the live broadcast.

Q: How many yellow cards are typical in a Premiership match?

A: The 2025/26 season averages 1.7 yellow cards per game; this fixture exceeded the average with three dismissals.

Q: Who is the appointed Television Match Official (TMO)?

A: TMO – Sarah L. Miller,a former England Women’s international scrum‑half,now a certified elite TMO.

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All data reflects the official match data released by Premiership Rugby and adheres to the latest on‑field regulations.