Season Preview: Leicester Tigers

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Jenny Maxwell likened the side's pre-season to starting a new school year against the backdrop of their squad overhaul. 

Tigers enter the new PWR season after a summer of massive change, after 22 players left the club and 25 new faces arrived.

Maxwell, who is one of the few players remaining from Leicester’s previous squad, recognises the change is an opportunity for the club to improve from their fortunes after back-to-back finishes in the league's bottom two. 

The scrum-half said: “I'll be honest, showing up for the start of pre-season is always like the first day of school.

“I think the goal is to put performances in that we're proud of. We've had a lot of change at the club. New coaches, new players, and there's no shying away from the fact that there's been a lot of change.

“I'm really excited about what the club has put in place. I think in terms of the long-term future of the club, it will pay dividends in the end. It's just for those that were there the last few seasons, it does feel different, but different isn't always bad.”

The countdown is on ⏳ It’s PWR week! Get ready 💪

📍Morton Stadium
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— Leicester Tigers Women's (@TigersWomens) October 20, 2025

The focus for Tigers this season will be to bring together all their new players effectively, especially given their differing backgrounds.

The East Midlands have recruited from far and wide, bringing in ten players from overseas.

They even held an open trial over the summer in an effort to unearth talent from the local community that they could nurture into fully fledged PWR stars. 

Tigers found a diamond in the rough at the event in young back row Summer Reeves, who had previously been in England’s U18 squad.

Maxwell said: “There are some really good young girls who have come through. 

"Summer has only just turned 18, she is aggressive and determined to grow into a really great player. 

“We've signed a few girls from overseas as well. Jemima McCalman, who's got a few caps for the Wallaroos. She is a massive energy driver in defence, so I'm really excited to see how she goes.”

“Competition for positions as well is only going to drive up the standards across the board at all clubs and in training and matches. I think diversity always brings a different lens to the game as well, so hopefully it will upskill us all.”

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Another new young talent is versatile back Amelie Anstead, who arrived from bitter rivals Loughborough Lightning over the summer.

Though Anstead recognises the challenges that her new team might face this season, she wants to make sure that Leicester stay positive even if results don’t go their way.

Anstead said: “I think [the goal for Leicester is] to show people that we're the underdogs, but expect big things. We've worked hard as a group and as individuals, and with new players and coaches, it's a fresh start for us.

“Ultimately, that's sport. You win some, you lose some, as cliche as it sounds. We know the hard work we've put in, and we know what we're capable of as a group and as individuals. As long as we put a performance out that we know we're proud of, I think that will keep us going.”

With all the upheaval, it is tough to know what the future holds for Tigers in the 25/26 campaign, but the club is hoping that the best is yet to come.

What is new at Leicester Tigers?

It is perhaps harder to discern what has stayed the same than what has changed at Leicester this summer amidst their 25 new signings.

But off the pitch, too, the East Midlands outfit have had something of an overhaul.

Fraser Goatcher takes up the role of Director of Women's Rugby, having been involved with the club for a number of years and previously head coach of Lichfield RUFC.

Ross Bundy will join him in the position of head coach, following appointments at Edinburgh Women's and Rotterdam Rugby.