Are the Tigers finally back?

"Leicester Tigers"

By definition, the Tigers are the most successful ever English rugby side, and possibly the most reputable club in the world.

They have had legends such as Martin Johnson, Neil Back, Graham Rowntree, Lewis Moody, and Ben Kay grace the hallowed turf of Welford Road over the past two decades.

They have produced the likes of Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, George Ford and Billy Twelvetrees in more recent times.

There is absolutely no question that the Tigers are always the team to beat, whether they sit at the top of the table or the bottom.

The legendary 2001 Heineken Cup winning team.

Yet in the past 3-5 years, the Tigers have been unquestionably and uncharacteristically unsuccessful, regardless of winning the Aviva Premiership in 2013. They have been toothless, tame and lacking of that final killer blow, especially in Europe.

Their last trophy was indeed that 2013 Aviva Premiership Final win against Northampton but since then there has been little to rave about at Welford Road, something the Leicester faithful are not accustomed to.

However, after the arrival of  new head coach Aaron Mauger last summer, Leicester are fast becoming a team that are looking evermore likely to win and not lose.

Their only loss in the Aviva Prem came back in November against a very good Exeter side and they sit in a very respectable 3rd place in the table.

Their form in Europe has been outstanding having been unbeaten after playing the likes of Munster, Stade Francais and Treviso. They currently top their group, 9 points ahead of second placed Stade Francais.

Without question, the Tigers have been playing more like the gritty and hard-hitting team that they have become so well known for internationally.

For next season: Matt Toomua

Having previous players Aaron Mauger, Richard Cockerill,  Richard Blaze, Geordan Murphy, and Matt Cornwell holding the reigns at the club, there can be no question that the club's legendary philosophy will be instilled into further generations of Tigers. What's more, with all of those spoken of above having an average age of 35, there is a promising look for the long term.

In the last couple of weeks the Tigers have announced the incredible signing of Australia international Matt Toomua as well as contract extensions for Ben Youngs, Freddie Burns, Ed Slater and a certain Manu Tuilagi.

The future certainly looks bright for the legendary Tigers and I think all fans of the English game can be grateful for their return to the top of the club game.

MJ