Oswestry enjoy a day in the tigers’ den

The group from Shropshire took part in a Tigers Matchday Coaching Clinic and then joined a 18,000-strong crowd for the Gallagher Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks at Welford Road.

Tigers Matchday Coaching Clinics allow teams to work with Tigers coaches to develop their individual and team skills, as well as taking tips and techniques with them to work on in the rest of the season.

The Oswestry players also had an opportunity to quiz Tigers back-rower Brendon O’Connor about life in professional rugby and then soaked up the matchday atmosphere at Welford Road and watched the professionals in action as Tigers beat their visitors 19-15.

They even managed to follow in the players' footsteps by having a team photo taken on the famous turf at half-time in front of the crowd.

Mick Owens accompanied the Oswestry players for their photo alongside Tigers forwards O’Connor and Mike Fitzgerald, and said: “The lads enjoyed the coaching clinic, the coaches were brilliant, very accommodating and very friendly.

“We were trying to get the lads away and get them bonding, and I think being here has worked really well. They’ve all really enjoyed their day.

“Being down on the pitch is excellent, they’ve had some good fun and they don’t get to do stuff like that very often.”