"Mismanagement on and off the field,” - Leicester Tigers coach addresses salary cap investigation

The Times reports that the Premiership salary cap director is looking at links between Tigers and a now defunct company, Worldwide Image Management.

“This team went from being the leading club in the country to the bottom of the pile. For that to happen there has to be mismanagement on and off the field,” he told BBC Radio Leicester.

“[Chief executive] Andrea Pinchen and I came in at a very similar time in the middle of 2020. Our job has been to get this club climbing the league.

“The club is co-operating fully and Andrea will be leading it. I will be looking at matters on the pitch.

“This is something else that will be thrown at us. This will make us stronger than anyone thinks we can be. It’s another thing to try and detract from what we’re trying to do.

“Over the past 18 months, we have faced things like not knowing whether players would be there, from Leicester’s local lockdown to shutting down training due to Covid outbreaks, reshaping this squad.

“I’m sure the supporters will be disappointed about the news. This investigation is looking back on years. It’s not this team and I know the fans will cheer us on.”

Woodward wrote: "Steward is a fearless giant who commands the airway but also has the football skills the modern day full back requires."

Woodward wote: "Slade is becoming the midfield fulcrum and boss for England"

Woodward wrote: "Smith is the real deal, a major talent and goal kicker of the first rank with nerves of steel. Quirke looks a real handful."

Woodward wrote: "Courtney Lawes had a fine series and led by example when asked to captain the side, Maro Itoje roamed to good effect as usual and the back row were tackling machines."