Leicester Tigers to gain unexpected boost from Leicester City relegation

Leicester stands out as a city where both football and rugby have enjoyed sustained success, with the two sports holding roughly equal popularity locally. The football side famously won the Premier League in 2016 and lifted the FA Cup in 2021, but their fortunes have declined sharply since then.

A draw with Hull City yesterday confirmed that the club will compete in the third tier of English football for only the second time in its history.

Meanwhile, Tigers are thriving in PREM Rugby, currently sitting third and pushing strongly for a home semi-final, with the possibility of securing a 13th league title under Geoff Parling.

Steward, who supports Norwich City, suggested the situation could have a knock-on effect in boosting attendance at Welford Road and even attracting some football fans.

"The grounds are really close together and there's definitely a unity between the two, I'm sure there's a lot of footy fans that pop over to our place to watch a few games and vice-versa. Now, with Leicester in League One, we might get a few extras, which is going to be nice."

The financial consequences for the Foxes could be significant, and their recently developed Seagrave training complex, which spans 185 acres and includes features such as a golf course, might become an expense the club needs to reconsider. The project reportedly cost around £100 million.

Although he acknowledged it is highly unlikely, Steward joked about the possibility of Tigers taking over the facility.

"If we get Seagrave, it's never going to happen, but that facility is a joke."

He also shared some of the lighthearted teasing that has taken place in training regarding the football club’s struggles.

"A few members of out medical team are diehard Leicester fans so we've been getting into them this week. Rob, one of our masseuses, is massively on edge.

"We had a bet at the start of the season that if Norwich finished above Leicester he'd pay me and vice-versa, he was confident, he's looking like a bit of an idiot now."