Prem 2026-27 preview – Leicester Tigers: Title odds, key players and squad changes

By Peter Ryan

Leicester Tigers are one of the more iconic teams in rugby.

Over recent years, they have been a consistent presence at the top of the Prem. Leicester have a wealth of talent in their squad and will be on the hunt for big results this season.

The bookmakers may have Leicester sitting in the shadows of Bath, Northampton Saints and Saracens, but the Tigers will not be content to follow the favourites.

As Geoff Parling enters his second season, Leicester have the quality, ambition and pedigree to make their own push for Prem glory.

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Last season

The Tigers made the playoffs last season, finishing fourth in the table with 63 points.

Parling’s side won 12 of their 18 games. Over those games, they tallied 583 points and conceded 405.

The numbers show that Leicester are a well-balanced team, strong in both attack and defence.

What stopped them from kicking on was that they struggled against the likes of Bath, Northampton and Exeter Chiefs.

Freddie Steward had a fantastic campaign, often sparking the attack. The full-back led the team in carries, metres and defenders beaten.

Adam Radwan had an impressive season, crossing the try line nine times. Jack van Poortvliet was the hub with 879 successful passes.

The numbers highlight the work being done across the Leicester squad.

Joe Heyes produced an impressive 166 tackles, Tommy Reffell remained a menace at the breakdown with 21 turnovers won, and Jamie Blamire demonstrated his set-piece influence by securing 167 lineouts.

The Tigers will have some fresh faces for their 2026/27 campaign.

Squad changes

Leicester will have to deal with the departures of George Martin, Nicky Smith and Hamish Watson, along with Hanro Liebenberg, who will move to the Bulls.

However, they have brought in plenty of talent.

Aaron Wainwright will make the move over from the Dragons. Mako Vunipola will bring experience to the front row.

Joel Sclavi and Elliott Stooke will join the squad. There is definitely enough talent for Leicester to go all the way.

The odds

The market has Leicester at odds of 7/1 going into the season.

It suggests that they have enough quality to win the title but aren’t seen as a top contender. It will be fascinating to see what the Tigers can do this year.

Leicester have the balance to compete, the quality to hurt teams and the pedigree to understand what success demands.

Everything points towards a season filled with possibility, but potential only tells part of the story.

Now it is time for the Tigers to discover just how far they can go.

READ MORE: Prem 2026-27 preview – Bristol Bears: Title odds, key players and squad changes