Hudson keen for home delight

Preview

Leicester v Quins Today. 5.45pm

SOMETHING has to give at Welford Road today as winless Leicester and Harlequins face off.

Harlequins lost 8-7 at home to last season’s semi-finalists Exeter before falling to back-toback champions Gloucester–Hartpury 27-18.

Leicester have conceded 109 points in their defeats to Gloucester and Exeter but have welcomed back six internationals for today’s clash with a total of nine changes from last week’s defeat.

Scotland‘s Leah Bartlett, South Africa‘s Catha Jacobs and Canada‘s Julia Omokhuale all start, while Scottish duo Eva Donaldson and Francesca McGhie, and USA‘s Tess Feury are on the bench.

No.8 Charlotte Fray captains the side for the first time and head coach Tom Hudson said: “We can’t wait to be home, especially as part of a terrific double header in front of a big Tigers crowd.

“We’re excited to welcome a number of our international stars back. The enthusiasm and commitment they have brought back has given everyone a lift.”

Harlequins vice-captain Harriet Millar Mills returns at lock, Sarah Parry makes her first league start at outside centre and Katie Shillaker also earns her first start on the wing.

Quins No.8 Sara Svoboda said: “We got our processes right in the first two games, so we haven’t let our chins drop. We’re looking to put in strong performances in these next few games with our internationals returning.

“It’ll be a gritty Sunday night fixture and we’ll be met with a really good challenge. We’ll be looking to put some points on the board.”