Tigers seek global supremacy

13 April 2012

Leicester will today challenge Canterbury Crusaders to an inaugural world-title decider next season between the champions of the hemispheres, with Twickenham the probable venue.

They do so with the official backing of the European Cup organisers and the English Premiership for a duel involving 10 English internationals from the double Heineken winners and a complete team of All Blacks from the Super 12's supreme provincial squad.

The Tigers, anxious to explore new frontiers after their unprecedented success in Europe, have already been given dispensation to clear the decks of domestic commitments next February immediately before the Crusaders start the defence of a southern hemisphere title which they have won four times in five seasons.

On a day when New Zealand packed 15 Crusaders into their squad for eight Tests starting against Italy on Saturday week, Leicester wasted no time drawing up plans for a global play-off between teams led by England captain Martin Johnson and his newly-appointed All Black counterpart Reuben Thorne.

'This is going to happen,' said Tigers chairman Peter Tom. 'It's just a question of when. There is a problem with fixture congestion but it can be overcome and the match made into an annual event. Everyone realises that it would be of tremendous benefit to the club game.'

Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler will speak to the Crusaders today. 'We will discuss dates and hope to find one that suits,' he said. 'European Rugby Cup Ltd is very keen on the idea and Derek McGrath (chief executive) has been in touch with the southern hemisphere unions.'

Welford Road's 16,500 capacity makes it too small for a game of such magnitude. But Leicester believe they could attract another massive crowd even if they must do so without Munster's vast support, which was largely responsible for filling the Millennium Stadium last Saturday some 12 hours after many thousands fewer had seen the Crusaders beat the Brumbies 31-13 in Christchurch.

As Leicester recovered yesterday from a weekend's celebration, hooker Richard Cockerill was in France finalising a transfer which could expose him to an early run-in with his old club.

His new employers, Montferrand, are among France's six qualifiers for next season's Heineken Cup. Cockerill - whose move puts an end to the Tigers' revered ABC front row trio, as they used to appear before the club abandoned its lettered jerseys - spent 10 years at Welford Road. 'I could have earned more money either by staying in the Premiership or stepping down into the First Division as a player-coach,' he said. 'This is a chance to learn a different language and embrace a different culture. It's time to move on.'

Other Leicester players, notably international centre Leon Lloyd and England A fly half Andy Goode, might come to the same conclusion. Both have had more than one offer, Lloyd from Harlequins and Saracens, Goode from Saracens and Wasps.

All Black coach John Mitchell found room in his 26-man squad for only 11 non- Crusaders, among them Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen. Both were given a blunt warning to pull their socks up or else.

Mitchell said: 'They have lost confidence. They have an enormous amount of work to do.'

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Tigers seek global supremacy

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