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Leicester Tigers freshly appointed club captain Ollie Chessum has been given the green light to make his return to league matches facing the Quins this weekend. Although the majority of British & Irish Lions squad members are not being permitted to domestic rugby until next week, the lock has secured an exception.

The 25-year-old, who spent time on the sidelines for a large chunk of last season, began in 16 games and came on off the bench four times. Despite being involved in the full Lions series facing the Australian side, the player management load group overseeing the condition of elite athletes has permitted him to take on Harlequins at their home ground on Saturday.

Divergent Situations for Lions Teammates

The Quins, by comparison, will be missing Chessum’s tour colleague Marcus Smith, who is required to postpone an additional week before rejoining the fray. In contrast to Owen Farrell, who was also sidelined for much of last season and returned for the start of the domestic season, Smith played in a heavy schedule during the last campaign, featuring five non-Test Lions tour games and needs to complete a mandatory full 10-week break.

Motivation from Historic Setback

Chessum, however, is eager to start and show that the Tigers can succeed during the upcoming term in spite of the exit of the head coach and multiple senior players. The Tigers competed in the league final at the end of last season, but Chessum states their crushing lopsided continental competition setback by the French side is the game that has supplied their lasting drive. “It created a feeling of ‘We are never going to that place again’. Regardless of how we get ready, no matter how we are guided, regardless of game plans, we are never going back.”

“It is the most embarrassing loss in the team's record and to acknowledge participation is shameful really. So, it pains. You will constantly reflect and just make sure you avoid experiencing a score like that again.”

He added, “I recall Cheik was emotional in the changing room. The explanation we were in the final last year was as a result of what happened after that fixture in Toulouse. There was a significant shift in the entire squad.”

Injury News from Other Clubs

Bristol Bears, at the same time, have revealed they have are missing primary number ten AJ McGinty for the season after he suffered a setback in their first victory over Leicester. McGinty has gone under the knife on his achilles on the identical day that his number nine Harry Randall required an operation on his hamstring. Randall is expected to return in the early next year, while the return date for wing Gabriel Itoye, who also injured his hamstring against Leicester and needs surgery, remains uncertain.

The Blue, Black and White, for their part, have stuck with Max Ojomoh at number ten for their home game against Sale on the weekend's opener. The Sharks, who recorded a winning start to the campaign in the opening round, have made two enforced changes to their first team, with Hyron Andrews and Sam Bedlow stepping in for the sidelined two key players respectively.