Leicester Tigers player ratings v Leinster: 2025/26 Champions Cup

Friday, 12 December 2025 at 21:55

byCharlie Elliott

Leicester Tigers player ratings from their narrow defeat against Leinster in the Champions Cup pool stage round 2.

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Tigers put in a mega shift to keep out Leinster for large portions of the game, but the Irish side's depth showed in the end and a couple of clinically taken second half tries turned around what was a nine-point deficit going into the break.

Leicester Tigers - 15

Tries: Adam Radwan (21'), Ollie Hassell-Collins (40')
Cons: Billy Searle (22')
Pens: Billy Searle (20')

Leinster - 23

Tries: Jamison Gibson-Park (50'), Dan Sheehan (72')
Cons: Harry Byrne (51'), Sam Prendergast (73')
Pens: Harry Byrne (15', 32', 61')

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Defeat at home

9:54 PM · Dec 12, 2025

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Leicester Tigers player ratings

15 Freddie Steward - 7

Started the game potentially lucky to not get a yellow card with a potential head contact, although that would have been a harsh decision to give. Dealt with the Leinster threat in the backfield well, although he seemed to defend pretty high for large portions of the game. Did his job and did it well.

14 Adam Radwan - 8

His moment of the match was undoubtedly when he stretched his legs to dribble the ball down the entirety of the right wing, outpacing countless defenders in the process, and dotting down for the first and most exciting try of the night. Aside from that he managed to create a mini-scrap after tackling James Lowe.

13 Will Wand - 6.5

Overcommitted and was beaten far too easily by Ciaran Frawley in the first half. Redeemed himself later on and he made a nuisance of himself across the park.

12 Solomone Kata - 7

A few big runs into traffic, some deft hands to set up others and some good defending. Kata wasn't involved absolutely loads, but made the most of when he got the ball.

11 Ollie Hassell-Collins - 7.5

Actually didn't get involved at all in the first half but managed to get on the scoresheet with a very well-taken try for which he latched onto a crossfield kick from Searle, kicked past the final defender and dotted down. Had a bit more about him in the second and mucked in defensively with a very well-timed tackle that stopped a certain try and forced a knock on.

10 Billy Searle - 7.5

Played very well defensively with some good tackling and showed a strong creative spark. No more so was that spark shown than for his perfectly weighted crossfield kick to Hassell-Collins to assist his try. Good but not perfect from the tee.

9 Tom Whiteley - 6.5

Played pretty well in his 50th cap. Had a few wayward kicks but was generally solid. A very cheeky chip in behind in the first half very nearly caused some serious mayhem for Leinster. Very weak tackle which allowed Gibson-Park's try.

1 Nicky Smith - 8.5

Had an unbelievable game in which he absolutely dominated Thomas Clarkson in the scrum. Won a fair few pens around the park and even managed to hold up a try. Came off after 61 minutes to a deserved standing ovation. Will be sorely missed if the extremely strong rumours that he is joining Sale next season are to be believed.

2 Jamie Blamire - 7.5

Tigers' lineout woes of last week were officially solved with the return of Blamire, who steadied the ship and was very solid from the set piece. Won a huge penalty on his own five metre line too, and was generally a strong performer.

3 Joe Heyes - 8

His presence alone seemed to transform the Tigers front row, and his leadership was evident throughout. Part of a very impressive scrum that dominated Leinster, and formed a formidable prop partnership with Nicky Smith.

4 Cameron Henderson - 7

Few good lineout takes and some big hits. Was more than a match for Joe McCarthy and James Ryan, which is a compliment to him.

5 Harry Wells - 7.5

Put in an absolute mammoth of a 66 minute shift and may not take any headlines with his work, but deserves a huge amount of credit for simply working hard and keeping Tigers ticking.

6 James Thompson - 7.5

Unbelievable shift with some big hits that will surely make a highlight reel or two. A huge part of the mammoth defensive effort that Tigers put up and was always in and around the ball, working hard to mostly keep the Irish side out.

7 Tommy Reffell - 8

Put in an unbelievable shift in the first half and was arguably the standout player. Absolutely everywhere on the pitch and put so much pressure on Leinster so often. Faded slightly in the second but was still one of the better Tigers performers on the night.

8 Joaquin Moro - 7

Like the rest of the back row, was part of the valiant defensive effort that the Tigers put in all night, popping up all around the pitch with some great tackling, breakdown work and everything else that is needed from the position.